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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2008

Securities Act File No. 33-20827

Investment Company Act File No. 811-5518

 

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM N-1A

 

   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933    x
   Pre-Effective Amendment No.                 ¨
   Post-Effective Amendment No. 125    x
   and   
   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    x
   Amendment No. 127    x

 

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Bellevue Park Corporate Center

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number: (302) 791-1112

Copies to:

 

  MICHAEL P. MALLOY, ESQUIRE
EDWARD J. ROACH   Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
PFPC Inc.   One Logan Square
103 Bellevue Parkway   18 th and Cherry Streets
Wilmington, DE 19809   Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996
(Name and address of Agent for Service)  

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

x immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

 

¨ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

¨ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

Title of Securities Being Registered:   Shares of Common Stock.

 

 

 


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BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

of

T HE RBB F UND , I NC .

C LASS I S HARES

PROSPECTUS

February 27, 2008

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

INTRODUCTION

   1

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

   2

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

   6

EXPENSES AND FEES

   6

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

   9

Investment Adviser

   9

Portfolio Manager

   9

Management Fees

   9

Revenue Sharing Arrangements

   10

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

   11

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

   12

Pricing of Fund Shares

   12

Market Timing

   12

Purchase of Fund Shares

   13

Redemption of Fund Shares

   18

Exchange Privilege

   20

Dividends and Distributions

   21

Taxes

   21

Multi-Class Structure

   23

FOR MORE INFORMATION

   Back Cover


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INTRODUCTION

 

The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is an open-end, diversified investment portfolio of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”), which is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, relate solely to the Fund.

Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. (“BSAM” or the “Adviser”) provides investment advisory services to the Fund.


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DESCRIPTION OF THE BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

 

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek returns that exceed the returns of the S&P 500 Index.

The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company will provide written notice to shareholders at least 60 days prior to changing its investment objective.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) in U.S. equity securities. The Fund will notify shareholders in writing at least 60 days prior to any change in this 80% policy. The Fund invests in equity securities of U.S. companies with minimum market capitalizations of $2.5 billion at the time of purchase. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds) and real estate investment trusts, and equity participations. The Fund invests primarily in securities issued by U.S. companies but also may invest in foreign securities in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying foreign securities. The Adviser expects to manage the Fund actively and anticipates an annual portfolio turnover rate of approximately 500%.

The Adviser uses a research driven process which consistently refines a multifactor approach that seeks to outperform the S&P 500 Index by using quantitative analysis and qualitative judgment to build and manage a risk-controlled portfolio which is currently represented by 90-120 long positions and around 40-60 short positions. The number of long and short positions may change based upon prevailing market conditions.

The Fund generally will invest up to 30% of the Fund’s assets in short positions. However, the short positions may range between 0% and 40% of the Fund’s assets. The Adviser generally will also use short sale proceeds to increase the Fund’s long position exposure to up to 130% of the Fund’s assets. The Fund expects to maintain an approximate net 100% long exposure to the equity market (long market value minus short market value), although the Fund’s long positions will range between 120% and 140% of the Fund’s assets.

The Adviser expects that the Fund will maintain a significant short position under normal market conditions. The size of the short position will depend on the availability of attractive short investments as well as on the Adviser’s view of the overall market for equity securities. The Adviser views short positions as both profit opportunities (which are considered speculative) for the Fund as well as a risk management technique.

The cash proceeds from short sales may be held by the lender as collateral or may be released to the Fund and used to purchase additional securities or for any other purpose. If the proceeds are released to the Fund, it may be required to pledge replacement collateral as security to the lender, and may use securities it owns to meet any such collateral obligations.

 

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A long position represents stocks or other equity securities that the Fund owns. A short position represents a sale by the Fund of a security borrowed from a third party with the expectation that the value of the security will decline. If the value of the security drops, the Fund can profit by buying the security in the open market at a lower price than the price at which it sold the security. However, if the price of the security rises, the Fund may need to cover the short position at a higher price than the price at which the Fund sold the security, which would result in a loss.

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of short-term instruments, including money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

Investment Process. The universe of securities available for investment by the Fund consists of all securities of companies in the Russell 3000 Index and S&P 1500 Index as well as all ADRs, subject to a minimum market capitalization of $2.5 billion and certain other criteria.

The Fund generally invests 130% of its assets in long positions. However, the actual percentage may vary depending on market opportunities. Investment decisions are based on a quantitative process encompassing the Adviser’s proprietary multifactor model as well as qualitative due diligence. The proprietary model ranks companies based on three themes: momentum, valuation and quality on both sector and individual stock levels. Due diligence is then performed on top ranked companies to verify favorable business momentum and valuation of individual stocks. Relative attractiveness of investment ideas is balanced with market capitalization and other risk considerations. The Adviser reevaluates securities daily and will sell long positions that fall below a median rating.

The Fund generally invests 30% of its assets in short positions. However, the actual percentage may vary depending on market opportunities and risk management considerations. Short ideas are generated based on stocks that are less favorably ranked by the Adviser’s proprietary model, combined with due diligence performed to verify negative business momentum and valuation of individual stocks. The Adviser seeks underperformance in the Fund’s short positions and also actively manages them to control the overall portfolio risk. The Adviser reevaluates securities daily and will cover short positions that rise above a median rating.

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives such as futures, options, forward contracts and swap agreements as a substitute for investing directly in an underlying security to increase returns, manage foreign currency risk, for hedging purposes, or as an alternative to selling a security short.

Principal Risks

You may lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its stated investment objective and may underperform other possible investments or benchmarks. The Fund is also subject to various risks which could reduce the share price such as:

 

 

Stock Risk – The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets may experience substantial price volatility.

 

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Market Risk – The risk that the value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular industry sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. The Fund’s investments may be overweighted from time to time in one or more industry sectors, which will increase the Fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those sectors.

 

 

Short Sales Risk – The additional risks associated with engaging in short selling. In a short sale, the Fund sells a security it does not own, in anticipation that the price of the security will fall. When the Fund sells securities short, it must borrow securities to make delivery to the buyer of those securities, which incurs costs and expenses. When the Fund borrows securities, it uses other assets including long positions as collateral for the loan. If the value of a security sold short increases, the Fund may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short sale price, resulting in a loss. The Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited because there is no upward limit on the price a security could attain; by comparison, for a long position, the maximum loss is the price paid for the security plus transaction costs. The Fund’s use of short sales in combination with long positions in the Fund’s portfolio may not be successful and may result in greater losses or lower positive returns than if the Fund held only long positions. It is possible that the Fund’s long equity positions will decline in value at the same time that the value of the securities the Fund sold short increases, thereby increasing potential losses to the Fund. The Fund may not always be able to borrow a security it wants to sell short. The Fund also may be unable to close out an established short position at an acceptable price. In some instances, the Fund may have to sell long positions at a disadvantageous price in order to cover or close out short positions. Engaging in short sales is a form of leverage, which increases the Fund’s assets through borrowing.

 

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk – The risk that higher portfolio turnover rates could result in lower performance due to increased brokerage commissions and other transaction costs. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates could result in the increased realization of taxable capital gains, including short-term capital gains.

 

 

Leverage Risk – By investing the proceeds received from selling securities short, the Fund is employing a form of leverage, which creates special risks. The use of leverage may increase the Fund’s exposure to long equity positions and make any change in the Fund’s net asset value greater than it would be without the use of leverage. This could result in increased volatility of returns. There is no guarantee that the Fund will leverage its portfolio or, if it does, that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. The Fund cannot guarantee that the use of leverage will produce a higher return on investment.

 

 

Foreign Securities Risk – The additional risks associated with investments in foreign securities, such as unfavorable political and economic developments, imposition of withholding taxes, seizure of foreign deposits, fluctuating currency exchange rates and currency controls or other governmental restrictions. In addition, foreign companies are not regulated by U.S. authorities, are generally not bound by the same financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. companies and are generally the subject of less publicly available information. Foreign securities may be less liquid than U.S. securities and may be subject to less efficient trade settlement practices.

 

 

Derivatives Risk – The risk that loss may result from the Fund’s investments in futures, swaps, options and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes in value may produce disproportionate losses to the Fund. Using derivative instruments may involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities

 

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and other traditional investments. The Fund’s investment in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when they would be beneficial.

 

 

Asset Segregation Risk – When engaging in short selling, the Fund will segregate assets to cover its short positions. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

 

Management Risk – The risk that a strategy used by the Adviser may fail to produce the intended results.

Disclosure of Fund Holdings

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the SAI.

 

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

 

The Fund had not commenced investment operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. Therefore, no performance information is available.

EXPENSES AND FEES

 

As a shareholder, you pay certain fees and expenses. The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Class I Shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees* (fees paid directly from your investment)

  

Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases

   None  

Maximum deferred sales charge

   None  

Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested dividends

   None  

Redemption Fee

   None  

Exchange Fee

   None  

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

  

Management fees

   1.00 %

Distribution (12b-1) fees

   None  

Other Expenses: (1)

  

Dividend Expenses on Short Sales (2)

   0.53 %

Financing Costs (3)

   0.12 %

Other (4) , (5)

   0.54 %

Total other expenses

   1.19 %

Total annual Fund operating expenses

   2.19 %

Waivers/Reimbursements ( 6 )

   (0.29 )%

Net annual Fund operating expenses ( 6 )

   1.90 %

 

* Shareholders requesting redemptions by wire are charged a transaction fee of $7.50.

(1)

Other expenses for the Fund are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(2)

Includes dividends on securities which the Fund has sold short (“short-sale dividends”). Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared, thus increasing the Fund’s unrealized gain or reducing the Fund’s unrealized loss on the securities sold short. Short-sale dividends are treated as an expense and increase the Fund’s total expense ratio, although no cash is received or paid by the Fund.

(3)

Financing costs represent the fees charged in connection with the use of the cash proceeds arising from the short sales used by the Fund.

(4)

Other expenses include audit, administration, custody, legal, registration, transfer agency, financing costs, and miscellaneous other charges.

(5)

The Fund’s Shareholder Services Plan permits the Fund to pay fees to Servicing Organizations at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class I Shares for which such Servicing Organizations provide services for the benefit of their customers. Shareholder Services fees are included in “Other” expenses for Class I Shares.

(6)

The Adviser is contractually waiving a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimbursing certain expenses in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, litigation, short sale dividends and financing costs associated with the use of the cash proceeds on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage and other transaction expenses relating to the purchase or sale of portfolio investments) to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares through December 31, 2009. The Adviser may recoup the amount of any management fee waivers or expense reimbursements

 

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from the Fund if such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the stated expense limitation and the recoupment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses.

 

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Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Class I Shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of the period. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same, and that you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

1 Year    3 Years
$ 193    $ 628

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser

BSAM, located at 237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. BSAM, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc., was established in 1985. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries (including its principal subsidiary, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.), is a leading United States investment banking, securities trading and brokerage firm serving U.S. and foreign corporations, governments and institutional and individual investors. BSAM is a registered investment adviser and provides investment advisory and sub-advisory services to open-end investment portfolios, U.S. equity and fixed income separate accounts, alternative investment vehicles such as hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of funds. As of December 31, 2007, BSAM had approximately $30.5 billion in assets under management.

Subject to the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser manages the Fund’s investment portfolio and is responsible for the selection and management of all investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

Portfolio Manager

The Fund is managed by Michael A. Rosen. Michael A. Rosen, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at BSAM, is primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund’s investments. Mr. Rosen joined BSAM in June 2006, with over 10 years of industry experience, to establish and head the Quantitative Equity team. Before joining BSAM, Mr. Rosen was a Portfolio Manager at BKF Asset Management, Inc., where he was Head of the Quantitative Equity group, responsible for managing US equity portfolios. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Rosen was a Senior Quantitative Equity Portfolio Manager at ING Investment Management, responsible for running three institutional quantitative equity portfolios. Previously, Mr. Rosen was a risk and performance analyst at Deutsche Bank, responsible for performing risk and performance analysis on defined benefit plans. Mr. Rosen began his career at Ark Asset Management where, as a performance analyst, he was responsible for conducting performance analysis on institutional clients. Mr. Rosen holds NASD series 7 and 66 licenses and is a member of the Market Technician’s Association. He received a BS in Economics and Finance from the University of Hartford.

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the Fund.

Management Fees

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to receive an advisory fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly. A discussion regarding the Board of Directors’ basis for approving the investment advisory agreement with respect to the Fund will be available in the Fund’s annual report for the period ended August 31, 2008 when prepared.

The Adviser is contractually waiving a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimbursing certain expenses in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, litigation, dividends

 

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and interest expense on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage and other transaction expenses relating to the purchase or sale of portfolio investments) to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares through December 31, 2009. The Adviser may recoup the amount of any management fee waivers or expense reimbursements from the Fund if such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the stated expense limitation and the recoupment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses.

Revenue Sharing Arrangements

The Adviser may pay compensation, out of its own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. and other unaffiliated brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries in connection with the sale or retention of Funds shares and/or shareholder servicing. The SAI provides additional information about these revenue sharing arrangements.

 

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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

LOGO

 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

Class I Shares of the Fund are priced at their net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund’s NAV per share is calculated as follows:

 

 

NAV     =     –

 

   

Value of Assets Attributable to Class I Shares

Value of Liabilities Attributable to Class I Shares

 

 
      Number of Outstanding Class I Shares  

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open (a “Business Day”). The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The Fund will effect purchases or redemptions of Fund shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt of your order in proper form.

The Fund’s equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”). Equity securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and asked prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using an independent pricing service. When prices are not available from such services or are deemed to be unreliable, securities may be valued by dealers who make markets in such securities. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If the Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund’s NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equity securities in the Fund’s portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same instruments.

Investments in other mutual funds are valued based on the NAV of those mutual funds (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses).

Market Timing

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company discourages market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt Fund

 

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management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase requests from any investor. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise their right if, in the Company’s (or the Adviser’s) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Company or the Adviser, has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Adviser reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Adviser, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with the Fund. The Adviser may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Adviser will apply the criteria in a manner that, in the Adviser’s judgment, will be uniform. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Company. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company’s excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

Purchase of Fund Shares

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by PFPC Distributors, Inc. (the “Underwriter”).

The Board of Directors has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan for the Fund’s Class I Shares authorizing the Fund to pay certain securities dealers, brokers, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”) who agree to provide certain shareholder administrative support services to their customers who beneficially own Class I Shares a service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class I Shares beneficially owned by such customers. See “Purchases Through Intermediaries” below.

Purchases Through Intermediaries . Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”). Certain features of the shares, such as the initial investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be

 

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imposed if shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company’s pricing on the following Business Day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received in good order, PFPC Inc., the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”), will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

The Company relies upon the integrity of Service Organizations to ensure that orders are timely and properly submitted. The Fund cannot assure you that a Service Organization has properly submitted to it all purchase and redemption orders received from the Service Organization’s customers before the time for determination of the Fund’s NAV in order to obtain that day’s price.

For administration, sub-accounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the “Service Fee”) of the average annual net asset value of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

General . You may also purchase shares of the Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000,000. There is no minimum requirement for subsequent investments. The minimum initial investment requirement may be reduced or waived from time to time in the Adviser’s discretion. You can only purchase shares of the Fund on days that the NYSE is open and through the means described below. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial investment requirements, purchases by clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of the Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment requirements.

Initial Investment By Mail . You can open an account by completing and signing the application included with this Prospectus and mailing it to the Transfer Agent at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund. Third party checks will not be accepted.

 

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Regular Mail:

 

Overnight Mail:

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30

 

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30

  US Core Equity Fund

 

  US Core Equity Fund

c/o PFPC Inc.

 

c/o PFPC Inc.

P.O. Box 9843

 

101 Sabin Street

Providence, RI 02940-8043

 

Pawtucket, RI 02860-1427

The name of the Fund should be designated on the application and should appear on the check. Payment for the purchase of shares received by mail will be credited to a shareholder’s account at the NAV per share of the Fund next determined after receipt of payment in good order.

Initial Investment By Wire . Shares of the Fund may be purchased by wiring federal funds to PNC Bank, N.A. (see instructions below). You must forward a completed application together with necessary supporting documentation to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under “Initial Investment by Mail” before wiring funds. Notification must be given to the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229 prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. (Prior notification is required even from investors with existing accounts.) Request account information and routing instructions by calling the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229. Funds should be wired to:

PNC Bank, N.A.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ABA # 0310-0005-3

Account Number 86-1172-4119

F/B/O Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class I

Ref. (Account Registration)

(Fund and Account Number)

Federal funds purchases will be accepted only on days when both the NYSE and PNC Bank, N.A. are open for business.

Subsequent Investments . Subsequent investments may be made at any time by purchasing shares of the Fund at its NAV per share by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under “Initial Investment by Mail” (payable to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund), or by wiring monies to PNC Bank, N.A. as outlined under “Initial Investment by Wire.” You must notify the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229 before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. Initial and subsequent purchases made by check cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.

Automatic Investment Plan . Additional investments in shares of the Fund may be made automatically by authorizing the Transfer Agent to withdraw funds from your bank account through an Automatic Investment Plan ($50 minimum). Investors desiring to participate in an Automatic Investment Plan should call the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229.

Retirement Plans . Shares may be purchased in conjunction with various retirement plans, including Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”), section 403(b) plans and retirement plans for self-employed individuals, partnerships and corporations and their employees. Detailed information concerning retirement plans is available from your Service Organization. A $15.00 custodial maintenance fee is charged per IRA account per year. For further information as to applications and annual fees, contact your Service Organization. To determine whether the benefits of an IRA are available and/or appropriate, you should consult with a tax advisor.

 

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Other Purchase Information . The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. Decisions to close or open the Fund are subject to Board approval. The Adviser will monitor the Fund’s total assets and may decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund’s strategy. Subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, generally the Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

a. persons who already hold shares of the Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;

b. existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold shares of the Fund;

c. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

d. Directors of the Company.

Other persons who are shareholders of other funds of the Company are not permitted to acquire shares of the Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of the Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

Purchases of the Fund’s shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.

The Company’s officers are authorized to waive the minimum initial investment requirements.

Good Order . You must include complete and accurate required information on your purchase request. Please see “Purchase of Fund Shares.” Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

Customer Identification Program . Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. For business entities, partnerships, trusts, or other organizations, the Company may request additional documentation including, but not limited to, certified copies of the corporate resolution, partnership agreement, or trust document, which established the entity’s identity. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s

 

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shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.

 

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Redemption of Fund Shares

Normally, your investment firm will send your request to redeem shares to the Transfer Agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. You can redeem some or all of your Fund shares directly through the Fund only if the account is registered in your name. All IRA shareholders must complete an IRA withdrawal form to redeem shares from their IRA account.

You may redeem shares of the Fund at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in proper form. You can only redeem shares on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

See “Purchase of Fund Shares – Services Organizations” for additional information about redemptions effected through Service Organizations.

You may redeem shares of the Fund by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund. There is no charge for a redemption.

Redemption By Mail . Your redemption requests should be addressed to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 9843, Providence, RI 02940; for overnight delivery, requests should be addressed to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., 101 Sabin Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860-1427 and must include:

 

   

Name of the Fund;

 

   

Account Number;

 

   

A letter of instruction specifying the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, signed by all registered owners of the shares in the exact names in which they are registered; and

 

   

Other supporting legal documents, if required, in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships, custodianships, corporations, pension and profit sharing plans and other organizations.

Medallion signature guarantees are required when (i) the redemption proceeds are to be sent to someone other than the registered shareholder(s) or (ii) the redemption request is for $10,000 or more. A signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings association who are participants in a Medallion Program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three recognized Medallion Programs are Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP). Signature guarantees which are not a part of these programs will not be accepted. Please note that a notary public stamp or seal is not acceptable.

Redemption By Telephone . In order to request a telephone redemption, you must have returned your account application containing a telephone election. To add a telephone redemption option to an existing account, contact the Transfer Agent by calling (866) 509-7229. Please note that IRA accounts are not eligible for telephone redemptions.

 

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Once you are authorized to utilize the telephone redemption option, a redemption of shares may be requested by calling the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229 and requesting that the redemption proceeds be mailed to the primary registration address or wired per the authorized instructions. A wire charge of $7.50 is assessed and charged to the shareholder.

To redeem by telephone, you must elect telephone redemptions in your account application and submit a list of authorized persons. If the telephone redemption option or the telephone exchange option is authorized, the Transfer Agent may act on telephone instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be an authorized person of a shareholder and believed by the Company and the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Transfer Agent’s records of such instructions are binding and shareholders, not the Company or the Transfer Agent, bear the risk of loss in the event of unauthorized instructions reasonably believed by the Company or the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Company and the Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated are genuine and, if it does not, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The procedures employed by the Company and the Transfer Agent in connection with transactions initiated by telephone include tape recording of telephone instructions and requiring some form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan . If your account has a value of at least $10,000, you may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and receive regular periodic payments. A request to establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan must be submitted to the Transfer Agent at P.O. Box 9843, Providence, RI 02940. Each withdrawal redemption will be processed on or about the 25 th of the month and mailed as soon as possible thereafter. There are no service charges for maintenance; the minimum amount that you may withdraw each period is $50. (This is merely the minimum amount allowed and should not be mistaken for a recommended amount.) The holder of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan will have any income dividends and any capital gains distributions reinvested in full and fractional shares at NAV. To provide funds for payment, shares will be redeemed in such amounts as are necessary at the redemption price. The systematic withdrawal of shares may reduce or possibly exhaust the shares in your account, particularly in the event of a market decline. As with other redemptions, a systematic withdrawal payment is a sale for federal income tax purposes. Payments made pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal Plan cannot be considered as actual yield or income since part of such payments may be a return of capital.

You will ordinarily not be allowed to make additional investments of less than the aggregate annual withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan during the time you have the plan in effect and, while a Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect, you may not make periodic investments under the Automatic Investment Plan. You will receive a confirmation of each transaction and the share and cash balance remaining in your plan. The plan may be terminated on written notice by the shareholder or by the Fund and will terminate automatically if all shares are liquidated or withdrawn from the account or upon the death or incapacity of the shareholder. You may change the amount and schedule of withdrawal payments or suspend such payments by giving written notice to the Transfer Agent at least ten Business Days prior to the end of the month preceding a scheduled payment.

Involuntary Redemption . The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund at any time the value of the account in the Fund falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

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Other Redemption Information . Redemption proceeds for recently purchased shares paid for by check may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by using the wire purchase option.

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date for payment of redemption proceeds at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC.

Generally, redemption proceeds will be paid in cash, unless the Board of Directors, in its discretion, determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash. In such a case, some or all of the redemption proceeds may be paid in kind, which means that the Fund would distribute readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities received in redemption of their shares. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

Proper Form . You must include complete and accurate required information on your redemption request. Please see “Redemption of Fund Shares” for instructions. Redemption requests not in proper form may be delayed.

Exchange Privilege

The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the shares being acquired may be legally sold. A shareholder may exchange Class I Shares for Class I Shares (or an equivalent class of shares) of another portfolio of the Company for which BSAM serves as investment adviser. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the exchanged Class I Shares to be acquired next determined after the Transfer Agent’s receipt of a request for an exchange. An exchange of shares will be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. A shareholder may make an exchange by sending a written request to the Transfer Agent or, if authorized, by telephone (see “Redemption by Telephone” above).

If the exchanging shareholder does not currently own Class I Shares of the fund being acquired, a new account will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options as the account from which shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified in writing by the shareholder with all signatures guaranteed. See “Redemption by Mail” for information on signature guarantees. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, or from time to time, upon 60 day’s written notice to shareholders.

If a shareholder wants to exchange shares into a new account in a fund, the dollar value of the shares acquired must equal or exceed the fund’s minimum investment requirement for a new account. If a shareholder wants to exchange shares into an existing account, the dollar value of shares must equal or exceed the fund’s minimum investment requirement for additional investments. If an amount remains in the fund from which the exchange is being made that is below the minimum account value required, the account will be subject to involuntary redemption.

The exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in the market. Accordingly, exchanges are subject to the policies described under “Market Timing” above.

 

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Dividends and Distributions

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Ordinary income for the Fund, in certain circumstances, may be “qualified dividend income” taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate as described below. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund’s distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Taxes

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax advisor for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

Fund Distributions . The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 15%. You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

Distribution of “qualifying dividends” will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or “qualified” foreign corporations (“qualifying dividends”), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But, if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of the Fund’s distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or “non-qualified” foreign corporations.

 

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Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations.

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as “buying into a dividend.”

Sales and Exchanges . You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares, including an exchange for shares of another Fund, based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them. (To aid in computing your tax basis, you should retain your account statements for the periods during which you held shares.)

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares (or a contract or option to acquire other shares) of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans . The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable.

Backup Withholding . The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the Internal Revenue Service a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, who are subject to withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to properly include reportable interest or dividends on their return, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are “exempt recipients.” The current withholding rate is 28%.

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders . Nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors in the Fund will generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on Fund distributions attributable to net capital gains and, for distributions attributable to the Fund’s current taxable year ending on August 31, 2008, net short-term capital gains of the Fund. Tax may apply to such capital gain distributions, however, if the recipient’s investment in the Fund is connected to a trade or business of the recipient in the United States or if the recipient is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a year and certain other conditions are met.

 

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Fund distributions attributable to other categories of Fund income, such as dividends from portfolio companies, will generally be subject to a 30% withholding tax when paid to foreign shareholders. The withholding tax may, however, be reduced (and, in some cases, eliminated) under an applicable tax treaty between the United States and a shareholder’s country of residence or incorporation, provided that the shareholder furnishes the Fund with a properly completed Form W-8BEN to establish entitlement for these treaty benefits. Also, for the Fund’s current taxable year ending on August 31, 2008, Fund distributions attributable to U.S.-source interest income of the Fund will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax for foreign investors, but they may need to file a federal income tax return to obtain a refund of any withholding taxes.

In subsequent taxable years, the exemption of foreign investors from U.S. federal income tax on Fund distributions attributable to U.S.-source interest income and short-term capital gains will be unavailable, but distributions attributable to long-term capital gains will continue to be exempt.

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

State and Local Taxes . You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

Sunset of Tax Provisions . Some of the tax provisions described above are subject to sunset provisions. Specifically, a sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will change after 2010.

More information about taxes is contained in the Statement of Additional Information.

Multi-Class Structure

The Fund also offers Class A Shares in a separate prospectus. Shares of each class of the Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Fund and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. The total return on Class I Shares can be expected to differ from the total return on Class A Shares of the Fund. Information concerning Class A Shares of the Fund can be requested by calling the Fund at (866) 509-7229.

Additional information about taxes is contained in the Fund’s SAI.

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND’S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE UNDERWRITER IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30

US CORE EQUITY FUND OF THE RBB FUND, INC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

These reports contain additional information about the Fund’s investments, describe the Fund’s performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The Annual Report includes the Fund’s strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)

An SAI has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling (866) 509-7229. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (and is legally part of the Prospectus).

Shareholder Inquiries

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature programs and services available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call (866) 509-7229. The Fund makes copies of its SAI and Annual/Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders available on the Adviser’s website at www.bearstearns.com.

Purchases and Redemptions

Call (866) 509-7229.

Written Correspondence

Street Address:

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., 101 Sabin Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860-1427.

P.O. Box Address:

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 9843, Providence, RI 02940-8043.

Securities and Exchange Commission

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Portfolios, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a

 

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duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.

Investment Company Act File number 811-05518

 

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BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

of

T HE RBB F UND , I NC .

C LASS  A S HARES

PROSPECTUS

February 27, 2008

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

INTRODUCTION

   1

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

   2

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

   6

EXPENSES AND FEES

   6

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

   8

Investment Adviser

   8

Portfolio Manager

   8

Management Fees

   8

Revenue Sharing Arrangements

   9

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

   10

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

   11

Pricing of Fund Shares

   11

Sales Charges

   12

Market Timing

   14

Purchase of Fund Shares

   14

Redemption of Fund Shares

   19

Exchange Privilege

   21

Dividends and Distributions

   23

Taxes

   23

Multi-Class Structure

   25

FOR MORE INFORMATION

   Back Cover


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INTRODUCTION

 

The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is an open-end, diversified investment portfolio of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”), which is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, relate solely to the Fund.

Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. (“BSAM” or the “Adviser”) provides investment advisory services to the Fund.


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DESCRIPTION OF THE BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

 

Investment Objective

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek returns that exceed the returns of the S&P 500 Index.

The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company will provide written notice to shareholders at least 60 days prior to changing its investment objective.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) in U.S. equity securities. The Fund will notify shareholders in writing at least 60 days prior to any change in this 80% policy. The Fund invests in equity securities of U.S. companies with minimum market capitalizations of $2.5 billion at the time of purchase. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds) and real estate investment trusts, and equity participations. The Fund invests primarily in securities issued by U.S. companies but also may invest in foreign securities in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying foreign securities. The Adviser expects to manage the Fund actively and anticipates an annual portfolio turnover rate of approximately 500%.

The Adviser uses a research driven process which consistently refines a multifactor approach that seeks to outperform the S&P 500 Index by using quantitative analysis and qualitative judgment to build and manage a risk-controlled portfolio which is currently represented by 90-120 long positions and around 40-60 short positions. The number of long and short positions may change based upon prevailing market conditions.

The Fund generally will invest up to 30% of the Fund’s assets in short positions. However, the short positions may range between 0% and 40% of the Fund’s assets. The Adviser generally will also use short sale proceeds to increase the Fund’s long position exposure to up to 130% of the Fund’s assets. The Fund expects to maintain an approximate net 100% long exposure to the equity market (long market value minus short market value), although the Fund’s long positions will range between 120% and 140% of the Fund’s assets.

The Adviser expects that the Fund will maintain a significant short position under normal market conditions. The size of the short position will depend on the availability of attractive short investments as well as on the Adviser’s view of the overall market for equity securities. The Adviser views short positions as both profit opportunities (which are considered speculative) for the Fund as well as a risk management technique.

The cash proceeds from short sales may be held by the lender as collateral or may be released to the Fund and used to purchase additional securities or for any other purpose. If the proceeds are released to the Fund, it may be required to pledge replacement collateral as security to the lender, and may use securities it owns to meet any such collateral obligations.

 

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A long position represents stocks or other equity securities that the Fund owns. A short position represents a sale by the Fund of a security borrowed from a third party with the expectation that the value of the security will decline. If the value of the security drops, the Fund can profit by buying the security in the open market at a lower price than the price at which it sold the security. However, if the price of the security rises, the Fund may need to cover the short position at a higher price than the price at which the Fund sold the security, which would result in a loss.

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of short-term instruments, including money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

Investment Process. The universe of securities available for investment by the Fund consists of all securities of companies in the Russell 3000 Index and S&P 1500 Index as well as all ADRs, subject to a minimum market capitalization of $2.5 billion and certain other criteria.

The Fund generally invests 130% of its assets in long positions. However, the actual percentage may vary depending on market opportunities. Investment decisions are based on a quantitative process encompassing the Adviser’s proprietary multifactor model as well as qualitative due diligence. The proprietary model ranks companies based on three themes: momentum, valuation and quality on both sector and individual stock levels. Due diligence is then performed on top ranked companies to verify favorable business momentum and valuation of individual stocks. Relative attractiveness of investment ideas is balanced with market capitalization and other risk considerations. The Adviser reevaluates securities daily and will sell long positions that fall below a median rating.

The Fund generally invests 30% of its assets in short positions. However, the actual percentage may vary depending on market opportunities and risk management considerations. Short ideas are generated based on stocks that are less favorably ranked by the Adviser’s proprietary model, combined with due diligence performed to verify negative business momentum and valuation of individual stocks. The Adviser seeks underperformance in the Fund’s short positions and also actively manages them to control the overall portfolio risk. The Adviser reevaluates securities daily and will cover short positions that rise above a median rating.

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives such as futures, options, forward contracts and swap agreements as a substitute for investing directly in an underlying security to increase returns, manage foreign currency risk, for hedging purposes, or as an alternative to selling a security short.

Principal Risks

You may lose money by investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its stated investment objective and may underperform other possible investments or benchmarks. The Fund is also subject to various risks which could reduce the share price such as:

 

 

Stock Risk – The risk that stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets may experience substantial price volatility.

 

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Market Risk – The risk that the value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular industry sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. The Fund’s investments may be overweighted from time to time in one or more industry sectors, which will increase the Fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those sectors.

 

 

Short Sales Risk – The additional risks associated with engaging in short selling. In a short sale, the Fund sells a security it does not own, in anticipation that the price of the security will fall. When the Fund sells securities short, it must borrow securities to make delivery to the buyer of those securities, which incurs costs and expenses. When the Fund borrows securities, it uses other assets including long positions as collateral for the loan. If the value of a security sold short increases, the Fund may have to cover its short position at a higher price than the short sale price, resulting in a loss. The Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited because there is no upward limit on the price a security could attain; by comparison, for a long position, the maximum loss is the price paid for the security plus transaction costs. The Fund’s use of short sales in combination with long positions in the Fund’s portfolio may not be successful and may result in greater losses or lower positive returns than if the Fund held only long positions. It is possible that the Fund’s long equity positions will decline in value at the same time that the value of the securities the Fund sold short increases, thereby increasing potential losses to the Fund. The Fund may not always be able to borrow a security it wants to sell short. The Fund also may be unable to close out an established short position at an acceptable price. In some instances, the Fund may have to sell long positions at a disadvantageous price in order to cover or close out short positions. Engaging in short sales is a form of leverage, which increases the Fund’s assets through borrowing.

 

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk – The risk that higher portfolio turnover rates could result in lower performance due to increased brokerage commissions and other transaction costs. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates could result in the increased realization of taxable capital gains, including short-term capital gains.

 

 

Leverage Risk – By investing the proceeds received from selling securities short, the Fund is employing a form of leverage, which creates special risks. The use of leverage may increase the Fund’s exposure to long equity positions and make any change in the Fund’s net asset value greater than it would be without the use of leverage. This could result in increased volatility of returns. There is no guarantee that the Fund will leverage its portfolio or, if it does, that the Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful. The Fund cannot guarantee that the use of leverage will produce a higher return on investment.

 

 

Foreign Securities Risk – The additional risks associated with investments in foreign securities, such as unfavorable political and economic developments, imposition of withholding taxes, seizure of foreign deposits, fluctuating currency exchange rates and currency controls or other governmental restrictions. In addition, foreign companies are not regulated by U.S. authorities, are generally not bound by the same financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. companies and are generally the subject of less publicly available information. Foreign securities may be less liquid than U.S. securities and may be subject to less efficient trade settlement practices.

 

 

Derivatives Risk – The risk that loss may result from the Fund’s investments in futures, swaps, options and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes in value may produce disproportionate losses to the Fund. Using derivative instruments may involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities

 

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and other traditional investments. The Fund’s investment in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when they would be beneficial.

 

 

Asset Segregation Risk – When engaging in short selling, the Fund will segregate assets to cover its short positions. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

 

Management Risk – The risk that a strategy used by the Adviser may fail to produce the intended results.

Disclosure of Fund Holdings

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the SAI.

 

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

 

The Fund had not commenced investment operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. Therefore, no performance information is available.

EXPENSES AND FEES

 

As a shareholder, you pay certain fees and expenses. The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Class A Shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees* (fees paid directly from your investment)

  

Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases

   5.75 %

Maximum deferred sales charge

   None (1)

Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested dividends

   None  

Redemption Fee

   None  

Exchange Fee

   None  

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)

  

Management fees

   1.00 %

Distribution (12b-1) fees

   0.25 %

Other Expenses: (2)

  

Dividend Expenses on Short Sales (3)

   0.53 %

Financing costs (4)

   0.12 %

Other (5) , (6)

   0.54 %

Total other expenses

   1.19 %

Total annual Fund operating expenses

   2.44 %

Waivers/Reimbursements ( 7 )

   (0.29 )%

Net annual Fund operating expenses ( 7 )

   2.15 %

 

* Shareholders requesting redemptions by wire are charged a transaction fee of $7.50.

(1)

Shares bought without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more may be charged a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within one year of purchase.

(2)

Other expenses for the Fund are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

(3)

Includes dividends on securities which the Fund has sold short (“short-sale dividends”). Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared, thus increasing the Fund’s unrealized gain or reducing the Fund’s unrealized loss on the securities sold short. Short-sale dividends are treated as an expense and increase the Fund’s total expense ratio, although no cash is received or paid by the Fund.

(4)

Financing costs represent the fees charged in connection with the use of the cash proceeds arising from the short sales used by the Fund.

(5)

Other expenses include audit, administration, custody, legal, registration, transfer agency, financing costs, and miscellaneous other charges.

(6)

The Fund’s Shareholder Services Plan permits the Fund to pay fees to Servicing Organizations at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class A Shares for which such Servicing Organizations provide services for the benefit of their customers. Shareholder Services fees are included in “Other” expenses for Class A Shares.

(7)

The Adviser is contractually waiving a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimbursing certain expenses in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, litigation, short sale dividends and financing costs associated with the use of the cash proceeds on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage and other transaction expenses relating to the purchase or sale of portfolio investments) to 1.50% of

 

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the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares through December 31, 2009. The Adviser may recoup the amount of any management fee waivers or expense reimbursements from the Fund if such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the stated expense limitation and the recoupment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses.

Example

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Class A Shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of the period. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same, and that you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

1 Year    3 Years
$ 218    $ 704

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser

BSAM, located at 237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. BSAM, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc., was established in 1985. The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries (including its principal subsidiary, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.), is a leading United States investment banking, securities trading and brokerage firm serving U.S. and foreign corporations, governments and institutional and individual investors. BSAM is a registered investment adviser and provides investment advisory and sub-advisory services to open-end investment portfolios, U.S. equity and fixed income separate accounts, alternative investment vehicles such as hedge funds, private equity funds and funds of funds. As of December 31, 2007, BSAM had approximately $30.5 billion in assets under management.

Subject to the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser manages the Fund’s investment portfolio and is responsible for the selection and management of all investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

Portfolio Manager

The Fund is managed by Michael A. Rosen. Michael A. Rosen, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at BSAM, is primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund’s investments. Mr. Rosen joined BSAM in June 2006, with over 10 years of industry experience, to establish and head the Quantitative Equity team. Before joining BSAM, Mr. Rosen was a Portfolio Manager at BKF Asset Management, Inc., where he was Head of the Quantitative Equity group, responsible for managing US equity portfolios. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Rosen was a Senior Quantitative Equity Portfolio Manager at ING Investment Management, responsible for running three institutional quantitative equity portfolios. Previously, Mr. Rosen was a risk and performance analyst at Deutsche Bank, responsible for performing risk and performance analysis on defined benefit plans. Mr. Rosen began his career at Ark Asset Management where, as a performance analyst, he was responsible for conducting performance analysis on institutional clients. Mr. Rosen holds NASD series 7 and 66 licenses and is a member of the Market Technician’s Association. He received a BS in Economics and Finance from the University of Hartford.

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of securities in the Fund.

Management Fees

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to receive an advisory fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly. A discussion regarding the Board of Directors’ basis for approving the investment advisory agreement with respect to the Fund will be available in the Fund’s annual report for the period ended August 31, 2008 when prepared.

The Adviser is contractually waiving a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimbursing certain expenses in order to limit annual Fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, litigation, dividends

 

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and interest expense on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage and other transaction expenses relating to the purchase or sale of portfolio investments) to 1.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares through December 31, 2009. The Adviser may recoup the amount of any management fee waivers or expense reimbursements from the Fund if such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the stated expense limitation and the recoupment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses.

Revenue Sharing Arrangements

The Adviser may pay compensation, out of its own funds and not as an expense of the Fund, to Bear Stearns & Co., Inc. and other unaffiliated brokers, dealers or other financial intermediaries in connection with the sale or retention of Funds shares and/or shareholder servicing. The SAI provides additional information about these revenue sharing arrangements.

 

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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

LOGO

 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

Class A Shares of the Fund are priced at their net asset value (“NAV”) plus a front-end sales charge, if applicable. This is commonly referred to as the “public offering price.” The Fund’s NAV per share is calculated as follows:

 

 

NAV = –

 

 

Value of Assets Attributable to Class A Shares

Value of Liabilities Attributable to Class A Shares

 

 
    Number of Outstanding Class A Shares  

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open (a “Business Day”). The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The Fund will effect purchases of Fund shares at the public offering price next determined after receipt of your order or request in proper form. The Fund will effect purchases or redemptions of Fund shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt of your order in proper form.

The Fund’s equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”). Equity securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and asked prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using an independent pricing service. When prices are not available from such services or are deemed to be unreliable, securities may be valued by dealers who make markets in such securities. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If the Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund’s NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equity securities in the Fund’s portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same instruments.

Investments in other mutual funds are valued based on the NAV of those mutual funds (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses).

 

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Sales Charges

General . Purchases of the Fund’s shares are subject to a front-end sales charge of 5.75% of the total purchase price; however sales charges may be reduced for large purchases as indicated below. Sales charges are not imposed on shares that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions. The table below indicates the front-end sales charge as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. The term “offering price” includes the front-end sales charge.

 

Amount of Purchase

   Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price
    Sales Charge as a %
of Net Amount Invested
 

Less than $50,000

   5.75 %   6.10 %

At least $50,000 but less than $100,000

   4.50 %   4.71 %

At least $100,000 but less than $250,000

   3.50 %   3.63 %

At least $250,000 but less than $500,000

   2.50 %   2.56 %

At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000

   2.00 %   2.04 %

No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1 million or more; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge is imposed in the event of redemption within 12 months following any such purchase. See the section entitled “Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions.” The Fund’s distributor may pay a commission at the rate of 1% to certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals, including affiliates of the Adviser (collectively, “Service Organizations”), who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1 million or more.

Combined Purchase Privilege . Certain purchases of Fund shares made at the same time by you, your spouse and your children under age 25 may be combined for purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase.” The combined purchase privilege may also apply to certain employee benefit plans and trust estates. The following purchases may be combined for purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase”: (a) individual purchases, if made at the same time, by a single purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse and children under the age of 25 purchasing shares for their own accounts, including shares purchased by a qualified retirement plan(s) exclusively for the benefit of such individual(s) (such as an IRA, individual-type section 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan) or by a “Company,” as defined in section 2(a)(8) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), solely controlled, as defined in the 1940 Act, by such individual(s), or (b) individual purchases by trustees or other fiduciaries purchasing shares (i) for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan, or (ii) concurrently by two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of employers affiliated with each other in accordance with Section 2(a)(3)(C) of the 1940 Act (excluding in either case an employee benefit plan described in (a) above), provided such trustees or other fiduciaries purchase shares in a single payment. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts may not be combined with purchases made for such other accounts. You may also further discuss the combined purchase privilege with your investment broker or other Service Organization. In order to take advantage of the combined purchase privilege, the purchases combined must be brought to the attention of your investment broker or other Service Organization at the time of your purchase.

Cumulative Quantity Discount . You may combine the value of shares held in the Fund, along with the dollar amount of shares being purchased, to qualify for a cumulative quantity discount. The value of shares held is the higher of their current cost or current net asset value. For example, if you hold

 

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shares having a value of $475,000 and purchase $25,000 of additional shares, the sale charge applicable to the additional investment would be 2.00%, the rate applicable to a single purchase of $500,000. In order to receive the cumulative quantity discount, the value of shares held must be brought to the attention of your investment broker or other Service Organization at the time of purchase.

Letter of Intent . If you anticipate purchasing at least $50,000 of shares within a 13-month period, the shares may be purchased at a reduced sales charge by completing and returning a Letter of Intent (the “Letter”), which can be provided to you by your investment broker or other Service Organization. The reduced sales charge may also be obtained on shares purchased within the 90 days prior to the date of receipt of the Letter. Shares purchased under the Letter are eligible for the same reduced sales charge that would have been available had all the shares been purchased at the same time. There is no obligation to purchase the full amount of shares indicated in the Letter. Should you invest more or less than indicated in the Letter during the 13-month period, the sales charge will be recalculated based on the actual amount purchased. A portion of the amount of the intended purchase normally will be held in escrow in the form of Fund shares pending completion of the intended purchase.

Sales Charge Waivers . The Fund sells shares at NAV without imposition of a sales charge to the following persons:

 

   

full-time or part-time employees, and their family members, of the Adviser or any of its affiliates;

 

   

board members of the Adviser or its affiliates;

 

   

Directors of the Company;

 

   

full-time employees, and their family members, of financial institutions that have entered into selling agreements with the Fund’s distributor;

 

   

“wrap” account for the benefit of clients of financial institutions, provided they have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor specifying operating policies and standards;

 

   

qualified separate accounts maintained by an insurance company; any state, county or city or instrumentality thereof; charitable organizations investing $50,000 or more in Fund shares; and charitable remainder trusts; and

 

   

members of qualified affinity groups who purchase Class A Shares directly through the Fund’s distributor, provided that the qualified affinity group has entered into an affinity agreement with the distributor.

In order to take advantage of a sales charge waiver, a purchaser must certify to the Service Organization eligibility for a waiver and must notify the Service Organization whenever eligibility for a waiver ceases to exist. A Service Organization reserves the right to request additional information from a purchaser in order to verify that such purchaser is so eligible. Such information may include account statements or other records regarding shares of the Fund held by you or your immediate family household members.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions . Purchases of $1 million or more are not subject to an initial sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge is payable on these investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase, at the rate

 

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of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of the charge, it is assumed that shares purchased with reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions and then other shares held the longest are the first redeemed. The contingent deferred sales charge is further discussed in the SAI.

Market Timing

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company discourages market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt Fund management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase requests from any investor. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise their right if, in the Company’s (or the Adviser’s) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Company or the Adviser, has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Adviser reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Adviser, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with the Fund. The Adviser may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Adviser will apply the criteria in a manner that, in the Adviser’s judgment, will be uniform. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Company. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company’s excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

Purchase of Fund Shares

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by PFPC Distributors, Inc. (the “Underwriter”). The Board of Directors has approved a Distribution Agreement and adopted a Plan of Distribution for the shares (the “Distribution Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Distribution Plan the Underwriter is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Fund’s Class A Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on

 

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an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The actual amount of such compensation under the Distribution Plan is agreed upon by the Company’s Board of Directors and by the Underwriter. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Amounts paid to the Underwriter under the Distribution Plan may be used by the Underwriter on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares of the Fund, including, but not limited to: (i) compensation to, and expenses of, employees of the Underwriter who engage in or support distribution of Class A Shares, including overhead and telephone expenses; (ii) printing of prospectuses and reports for other than existing shareholders; (iii) preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials; and (iv) periodic payments or commissions to certain securities dealers, brokers, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”) who sell Class A Shares. The Underwriter may negotiate with Service Organizations to provide any of the foregoing services to their customers, and all or any portion of the compensation payable for such services may be reallocated to the Service Organizations. See “Purchases Through Intermediaries” below.

Compensation paid to Service Organizations under the Distribution Plan will be for certain activities and expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares, including, but not limited to: (i) costs of payments made to employees that engage in the sale of Class A Shares; (ii) payments made to, and expenses of, persons who provide support services in connection with the sale of Class A Shares; (iii) costs relating to the formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities; (iv) costs of printing and distributing prospectuses and Fund reports to prospective shareholders of Class A Shares; (v) costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to Class A Shares; (vi) costs involved in obtaining information with respect to marketing and promotional activities; and (vii) such other services as may be construed to constitute distribution services.

The Distribution Plan obligates the Fund, during the period the Distribution Plan is in effect, to accrue and pay to the Underwriter on behalf of the Fund the fee agreed to under the Distribution Agreement. Payments under the Distribution Plan are not tied exclusively to expenses actually incurred by the Underwriter, and the payments may exceed distribution expenses actually incurred.

The Board of Directors also has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan for the Fund’s Class A Shares authorizing the Fund to pay Service Organizations who agree to provide certain shareholder administrative support services to their customers who beneficially own Class A Shares a service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class A Shares beneficially owned by such customers.

Purchases Through Intermediaries . Shares of the Fund may be available through Service Organizations. Certain features of the shares, such as the initial investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service

 

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Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company’s pricing on the following Business Day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received in good order, PFPC Inc., the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”), will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

The Company relies upon the integrity of Service Organizations to ensure that orders are timely and properly submitted. The Fund cannot assure you that a Service Organization has properly submitted to it all purchase and redemption orders received from the Service Organization’s customers before the time for determination of the Fund’s NAV in order to obtain that day’s price.

For administration, sub-accounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the “Service Fee”) of the average annual net asset value of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

General . You may also purchase shares of the Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000. There is no minimum requirement for subsequent investments. The minimum initial investment requirement may be reduced or waived from time to time in the Adviser’s discretion. You can only purchase shares of the Fund on days that the NYSE is open and through the means described below. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial investment requirements, purchases by clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of the Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment requirements.

Initial Investment By Mail . You can open an account by completing and signing the application included with this Prospectus and mailing it to the Transfer Agent at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund. Third party checks will not be accepted.

 

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Regular Mail:

 

Overnight Mail:

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30

 

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30

  US Core Equity Fund

 

  US Core Equity Fund

c/o PFPC Inc.

 

c/o PFPC Inc.

P.O. Box 9843

 

101 Sabin Street

Providence, RI 02940-8043

 

Pawtucket, RI 02860-1427

The name of the Fund should be designated on the application and should appear on the check. Payment for the purchase of shares received by mail will be credited to a shareholder’s account at the NAV per share of the Fund next determined after receipt of payment in good order.

Initial Investment By Wire . Shares of the Fund may be purchased by wiring federal funds to PNC Bank, N.A. (see instructions below). You must forward a completed application together with necessary supporting documentation to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under “Initial Investment by Mail” before wiring funds. Notification must be given to the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229 prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. (Prior notification is required even from investors with existing accounts.) Request account information and routing instructions by calling the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229. Funds should be wired to:

PNC Bank, N.A.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ABA # 0310-0005-3

Account Number 86-1172-4119

F/B/O Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class A

Ref. (Account Registration)

(Fund and Account Number)

Federal funds purchases will be accepted only on days when both the NYSE and PNC Bank, N.A. are open for business.

Subsequent Investments . Subsequent investments may be made at any time by purchasing shares of the Fund at its NAV per share by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under “Initial Investment by Mail” (payable to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund), or by wiring monies to PNC Bank, N.A. as outlined under “Initial Investment by Wire.” You must notify the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229 before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. Initial and subsequent purchases made by check cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.

Automatic Investment Plan . Additional investments in shares of the Fund may be made automatically by authorizing the Transfer Agent to withdraw funds from your bank account through an Automatic Investment Plan ($50 minimum). Investors desiring to participate in an Automatic Investment Plan should call the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229.

Retirement Plans . Shares may be purchased in conjunction with various retirement plans, including Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”), section 403(b) plans and retirement plans for self-employed individuals, partnerships and corporations and their employees. Detailed information concerning retirement plans is available from your Service Organization. A $15.00 custodial maintenance fee is charged per IRA account per year. For further information as to applications and annual fees, contact your Service Organization. To determine whether the benefits of an IRA are available and/or appropriate, you should consult with a tax advisor.

 

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Other Purchase Information . The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. Decisions to close or open the Fund are subject to Board approval. The Adviser will monitor the Fund’s total assets and may decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund’s strategy. Subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, generally the Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

a. persons who already hold shares of the Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;

b. existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold shares of the Fund;

c. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

d. Directors of the Company.

Other persons who are shareholders of other funds of the Company are not permitted to acquire shares of the Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of the Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

Purchases of the Fund’s shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.

The Company’s officers are authorized to waive the minimum initial investment requirements.

Good Order . You must include complete and accurate required information on your purchase request. Please see “Purchase of Fund Shares.” Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

Customer Identification Program . Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. For business entities, partnerships, trusts, or other organizations, the Company may request additional documentation including, but not limited to, certified copies of the corporate resolution, partnership agreement, or trust document, which established the entity’s identity. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.

 

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Redemption of Fund Shares

Normally, your investment firm will send your request to redeem shares to the Transfer Agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. You can redeem some or all of your Fund shares directly through the Fund only if the account is registered in your name. All IRA shareholders must complete an IRA withdrawal form to redeem shares from their IRA account.

You may redeem shares of the Fund at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in proper form. You can only redeem shares on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

See “Purchase of Fund Shares – Services Organizations” for additional information about redemptions effected through Service Organizations.

You may redeem shares of the Fund by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund. There is no charge for a redemption.

Redemption By Mail . Your redemption requests should be addressed to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 9843, Providence, RI 02940; for overnight delivery, requests should be addressed to Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., 101 Sabin Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860-1427 and must include:

 

   

Name of the Fund;

 

   

Account Number;

 

   

A letter of instruction specifying the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, signed by all registered owners of the shares in the exact names in which they are registered; and

 

   

Other supporting legal documents, if required, in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships, custodianships, corporations, pension and profit sharing plans and other organizations.

Medallion signature guarantees are required when (i) the redemption proceeds are to be sent to someone other than the registered shareholder(s) or (ii) the redemption request is for $10,000 or more. A signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings association who are participants in a Medallion Program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three recognized Medallion Programs are Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP). Signature guarantees which are not a part of these programs will not be accepted. Please note that a notary public stamp or seal is not acceptable.

Redemption By Telephone . In order to request a telephone redemption, you must have returned your account application containing a telephone election. To add a telephone redemption option to an existing account, contact the Transfer Agent by calling (866) 509-7229. Please note that IRA accounts are not eligible for telephone redemptions.

 

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Once you are authorized to utilize the telephone redemption option, a redemption of shares may be requested by calling the Transfer Agent at (866) 509-7229 and requesting that the redemption proceeds be mailed to the primary registration address or wired per the authorized instructions. A wire charge of $7.50 is assessed and charged to the shareholder.

To redeem by telephone, you must elect telephone redemptions in your account application and submit a list of authorized persons. If the telephone redemption option or the telephone exchange option is authorized, the Transfer Agent may act on telephone instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be an authorized person of a shareholder and believed by the Company and the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Transfer Agent’s records of such instructions are binding and shareholders, not the Company or the Transfer Agent, bear the risk of loss in the event of unauthorized instructions reasonably believed by the Company or the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Company and the Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated are genuine and, if it does not, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The procedures employed by the Company and the Transfer Agent in connection with transactions initiated by telephone include tape recording of telephone instructions and requiring some form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan . If your account has a value of at least $10,000, you may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan and receive regular periodic payments. A request to establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan must be submitted to the Transfer Agent at P.O. Box 9843, Providence, RI 02940. Each withdrawal redemption will be processed on or about the 25 th of the month and mailed as soon as possible thereafter. There are no service charges for maintenance; the minimum amount that you may withdraw each period is $50. (This is merely the minimum amount allowed and should not be mistaken for a recommended amount.) The holder of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan will have any income dividends and any capital gains distributions reinvested in full and fractional shares at NAV. To provide funds for payment shares will be redeemed in such amounts as are necessary at the redemption price. The systematic withdrawal of shares may reduce or possibly exhaust the shares in your account, particularly in the event of a market decline. As with other redemptions, a systematic withdrawal payment is a sale for federal income tax purposes. Payments made pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal Plan cannot be considered as actual yield or income since part of such payments may be a return of capital.

You will ordinarily not be allowed to make additional investments of less than the aggregate annual withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan during the time you have the plan in effect and, while a Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect, you may not make periodic investments under the Automatic Investment Plan. You will receive a confirmation of each transaction and the share and cash balance remaining in your plan. The plan may be terminated on written notice by the shareholder or by the Fund and will terminate automatically if all shares are liquidated or withdrawn from the account or upon the death or incapacity of the shareholder. You may change the amount and schedule of withdrawal payments or suspend such payments by giving written notice to the Transfer Agent at least ten Business Days prior to the end of the month preceding a scheduled payment.

Involuntary Redemption . The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund at any time the value of the account in the Fund falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

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Other Redemption Information . Redemption proceeds for recently purchased shares paid for by check may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by using the wire purchase option.

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date for payment of redemption proceeds at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC.

Generally, redemption proceeds will be paid in cash, unless the Board of Directors, in its discretion, determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash. In such a case, some or all of the redemption proceeds may be paid in kind, which means that the Fund would distribute readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities received in redemption of their shares. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

Proper Form . You must include complete and accurate required information on your redemption request. Please see “Redemption of Fund Shares” for instructions. Redemption requests not in proper form may be delayed.

Exchange Privilege

The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the shares being acquired may be legally sold. A shareholder may exchange Class A Shares for Class A Shares (or an equivalent class of shares) of another portfolio of the Company for which BSAM serves as investment adviser (“Bear Stearns Funds”). As of the date of this prospectus, no Bear Stearns Funds offer Class A Shares (or an equivalent class of shares), but new Bear Stearns Funds may offer Class A Shares (or an equivalent class of shares) in the future. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the exchanged Class A Shares to be acquired next determined after the Transfer Agent’s receipt of a request for an exchange. An exchange of shares will be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. A shareholder may make an exchange by sending a written request to the Transfer Agent or, if authorized, by telephone (see “Redemption by Telephone” above).

If the exchanging shareholder does not currently own Class A Shares of the fund being acquired, a new account will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options as the account from which shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified in writing by the shareholder with all signatures guaranteed. See “Redemption by Mail” for information on signature guarantees. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, or from time to time, upon 60 day’s written notice to shareholders.

If a shareholder wants to exchange shares into a new account in a fund, the dollar value of the shares acquired must equal or exceed the fund’s minimum investment requirement for a new account. If a shareholder wants to exchange shares into an existing account, the dollar value of shares must equal or exceed the fund’s minimum investment requirement for additional investments. If an amount remains in the fund from which the exchange is being made that is below the minimum account value required, the account will be subject to involuntary redemption.

 

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The exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in the market. Accordingly, exchanges are subject to the policies described under “Market Timing” above.

 

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Dividends and Distributions

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Ordinary income for the Fund, in certain circumstances, may be “qualified dividend income” taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate as described below. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund’s distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Taxes

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax advisor for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

Fund Distributions . The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 15%. You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

Distribution of “qualifying dividends” will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or “qualified” foreign corporations (“qualifying dividends”), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But, if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of the Fund’s distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or “non-qualified” foreign corporations.

 

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Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations.

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as “buying into a dividend.”

Sales and Exchanges . You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares, including an exchange for shares of another Fund, based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them. (To aid in computing your tax basis, you should retain your account statements for the periods during which you held shares.)

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares (or a contract or option to acquire other shares) of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans . The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable.

Backup Withholding . The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the Internal Revenue Service a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, who are subject to withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to properly include reportable interest or dividends on their return, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are “exempt recipients.” The current withholding rate is 28%.

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders . Nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors in the Fund will generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on Fund distributions attributable to net capital gains and, for distributions attributable to the Fund’s current taxable year ending on August 31, 2008, net short-term capital gains of the Fund. Tax may apply to such capital gain distributions, however, if the recipient’s investment in the Fund is connected to a trade or business of the recipient in the United States or if the recipient is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a year and certain other conditions are met.

Fund distributions attributable to other categories of Fund income, such as dividends from portfolio companies, will generally be subject to a 30% withholding tax when paid to foreign

 

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shareholders. The withholding tax may, however, be reduced (and, in some cases, eliminated) under an applicable tax treaty between the United States and a shareholder’s country of residence or incorporation, provided that the shareholder furnishes the Fund with a properly completed Form W-8BEN to establish entitlement for these treaty benefits. Also, for the Fund’s current taxable year ending on August 31, 2008, Fund distributions attributable to U.S.-source interest income of the Fund will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax for foreign investors, but they may need to file a federal income tax return to obtain a refund of any withholding taxes.

In subsequent taxable years, the exemption of foreign investors from U.S. federal income tax on Fund distributions attributable to U.S.-source interest income and short-term capital gains will be unavailable, but distributions attributable to long-term capital gains will continue to be exempt.

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

State and Local Taxes . You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

Sunset of Tax Provisions . Some of the tax provisions described above are subject to sunset provisions. Specifically, a sunset provision provides that the 15% long-term capital gain rate and the taxation of dividends at the long-term capital gain rate will change after 2010.

More information about taxes is contained in the Statement of Additional Information.

Multi-Class Structure

The Fund also offers Class I Shares in a separate prospectus. Shares of each class of the Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Fund and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. The total return on Class I Shares can be expected to differ from the total return on Class A Shares of the Fund. Information concerning Class I Shares of the Fund can be requested by calling the Fund at (866) 509-7229.

Additional information about taxes is contained in the Fund’s SAI.

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND’S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE UNDERWRITER IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30

US CORE EQUITY FUND OF THE RBB FUND, INC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

These reports contain additional information about the Fund’s investments, describe the Fund’s performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The Annual Report includes the Fund’s strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the last fiscal year.

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)

An SAI has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling (866) 509-7229. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (and is legally part of the Prospectus).

Shareholder Inquiries

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature programs and services available. Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call (866) 509-7229. The Fund makes copies of its SAI and Annual/Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders available on the Adviser’s website at www.bearstearns.com.

Purchases and Redemptions

Call (866) 509-7229.

Written Correspondence

Street Address:

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., 101 Sabin Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860-1427.

P.O. Box Address:

Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, c/o PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 9843, Providence, RI 02940-8043.

Securities and Exchange Commission

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Portfolios, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a

 

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duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.

Investment Company Act File number 811-05518

 

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BEAR STEARNS MULTIFACTOR 130/30 US CORE EQUITY FUND

of

The RBB Fund, Inc.

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

February 27, 2008

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the current prospectus dated February 27, 2008 (the “Prospectus”) pursuant to which shares (“Shares”) of the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”), a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) are offered. This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Please retain this SAI for future reference.

For a free copy of the Prospectus, please call toll-free (866) 509-7229


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

GENERAL INFORMATION

   1

INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES

   1

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

   29

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

   31

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

   32

CODE OF ETHICS

   40

PROXY VOTING

   40

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

   40

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

   41

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

   46

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

   47

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

   49

VALUATION OF SHARES

   50

TAXES

   50

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

   52

MISCELLANEOUS

   56

APPENDIX A DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

   A-1

APPENDIX B BSAM PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

   B-1


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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-two separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to two classes of shares representing interests in one diversified portfolio of the Company, which is offered by the Prospectus. Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. (“BSAM” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

The Fund seeks returns that exceed the returns of the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the “S&P 500 Index”). Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. The Fund invests in equity securities of companies with minimum market capitalizations of $2.5 billion at the time of purchase.

The Adviser may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Funds’ investment policies and limitations.

Common Stock. Common stocks represent an equity (ownership) interest in a company. This ownership interest generally gives the Fund the right to vote on issues affecting the company’s organization and operations. Such investments may be diversified over a cross-section of industries and individual companies.

Short Sales. As one of its principal investment strategies, the Fund will engage in short sales to generate portfolio returns. Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer of those securities, which incurs costs and expenses. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at the time of replacement may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold short by the Fund.

Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividend which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The Fund may not always be able to borrow a security it wants to sell short.

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid


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marketable securities, at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the security at the time it was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Fund may use other assets including long positions as collateral for the loan.

The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale.

The Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited because there is no upward limit on the price a security could attain; by comparison, for a long position, the maximum loss is the price paid for the security plus transaction costs. The Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of a security sold short by the Fund. The Fund’s strategy of using short sales in combination with long positions may result in greater losses or lower positive returns than if the Fund held only long positions.

If the Fund’s long equity positions decline in value at the same time that the value of the securities the Fund sold short increases, the Fund’s potential short sale losses may increase. The Fund also may be unable to close out an established short position at an acceptable price. In some instances, the Fund may have to sell long positions at a disadvantageous price in order to cover or close out short positions. Engaging in short sales is a form of leverage, which increases the Fund’s assets through borrowing.

The Fund anticipates that the frequency of short sales will vary substantially in different periods, and it does not intend that any specified portion of its assets, as a matter of practice, will be invested in short sales. The Fund expects its short positions to range from zero to 50% of the Fund’s total assets. No securities will be sold short, however, if after giving effect to any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would exceed 100% of the value of the Fund’s net assets.

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars, (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets), including through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), or European Depositary Receipts. ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a “depository”), that evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depository. ADRs may be listed

 

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on a national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR prices are denominated in U.S. dollars; the underlying security may be denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs, EDRs and IDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depositary receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The underlying security may be subject to foreign government taxes, which would reduce the yield on such securities.

Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

Settlement mechanics (e.g., mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could

 

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result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

Portfolio Turnover. There are no limitations on the length of time that securities must be held by the Fund and the Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary significantly from year to year. The Fund expects its portfolio turnover rate to be approximately 500% per year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater brokerage and other transaction costs, which would be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. A high portfolio turnover rate may also increase capital gains (including short-term capital gains) realized by the Fund which are distributed to Fund shareholders.

In determining such portfolio turnover, U.S. Government securities and all other securities (including options) which have maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less (“short-term securities”) are excluded. The annual portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the cost of purchases or proceeds from sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the year. The monthly average is calculated by totaling the values of the portfolio securities as of the beginning and end of the first month of the year and as of the end of the succeeding 11 months and dividing the sum by 13. A turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of the Fund’s securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once in a period of one year. It should be noted that if the Fund were to write a substantial number of options, which are exercised, the portfolio turnover rate would increase.

Bank Obligations. The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. or

 

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foreign banks. Bank obligations, including without limitation, time deposits, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit and certificates of deposit, may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulations.

The Fund may also invest in certificates of deposit issued by savings banks or savings and loan associations that have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such obligations is fully insured by the U.S. Government.

Banks, savings banks and savings an loan associations are subject to extensive but different governmental regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans which may be made and interest rates which may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play an important part in the operation of this industry.

Corporate Debt Obligations. The Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations, including obligations of industrial, utility and financial issuers. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. Corporate debt obligations are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as market interest rates, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity.

Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in commercial paper and other short-term obligations payable in U.S. dollars and issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, non-U.S. corporations or other entities. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies.

Variable and Floating Rate Obligations. The interest rates payable on certain securities in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at pre-designated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation.

Repurchase Agreements. Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The repurchase price under a repurchase agreement generally equals the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the securities underlying the repurchase agreement). The Fund may enter into

 

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repurchase agreements with counterparties that the Adviser considers creditworthy pursuant to criteria approved by the Board of Directors. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of a seller in determining whether to have the Fund enter into a repurchase agreement. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the securities subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price plus accrued interest. The Adviser will mark to market daily the value of the securities, and will, if necessary, require the seller to maintain additional securities, to ensure that the value is not less than the repurchase price.

Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose the Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may borrow money by entering into transactions called reverse repurchase agreements. Under these arrangements, the Fund will sell portfolio securities with an agreement to repurchase the security on an agreed date, price and interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the possible risk that the value of portfolio securities the Fund relinquishes may decline below the price the Fund must pay when the transaction closes. Borrowings may magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested resulting in an increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it places in a separate custodial account either liquid assets or other high grade debt securities that have a value equal to or greater than the repurchase price. The account is monitored to make sure that an appropriate value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act.

U.S. Government Obligations. The Fund may purchase U.S. Government securities. Some U.S. Government securities (such as U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises are supported by: (a) the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury; (b) the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (c) only the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation. Such guarantees of U.S. Government securities held by the Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. Government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. All U.S. Government securities are subject to interest rate risk.

U.S. Treasury securities include the separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury that are traded independently under the separate trading of registered interest and principal of securities program (“STRIPS”).

 

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U.S. Treasury securities also include Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”) whose principal increases at the same rate as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The interest payment is then calculated off of that inflated principal and repaid at maturity.

Foreign Denominated Securities. Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investments in such securities currently are limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. Investments in the securities of other investment companies will involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act permits a Fund to invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in a money market fund so long as, among other things, said investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. As a shareholder in an investment company, a Fund would bear its pro rata portion of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

ETFs are open-end investment companies whose shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Market System. ETF shares typically trade like shares of common stock and provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component stocks of a widely recognized index such as the S&P 500 Index. There can be no assurance, however, that this can be accomplished as it may not be possible for an ETF to replicate the composition and relative weightings of the securities of its corresponding index. ETFs are subject to risks of an investment in a broadly based portfolio of common stocks, including the risk that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby

 

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adversely affecting the value of suck investment. Individual shares of an ETF are generally not redeemable at their NAV, but trade on an exchange during the day at prices that are normally close to, but not the same as, their NAV. There is no assurance that an active trading market will be maintained for the shares of an ETF or that market prices of the shares of an ETF will be close to their NAVs. Investments in securities of ETFs beyond the limitations discussed above are subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an exemptive order issued by the SEC to the exchange-traded fund.

The Fund may also acquire investment company shares received or acquired as dividends, through offers of exchange or as a result of reorganization, consolidation or merger.

Real Estate Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in real estate or real estate related loans. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. Like regulated investment companies such as the Funds, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by a Fund.

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by such REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified (except to the extent the Code requires), and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under the Code and failing to maintain their exemptions from the Act. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks.

The Fund may also invest in real estate development companies, real estate operating companies (“REOCs”) and companies engaged in other real estate related businesses. A REOC is a company that derives at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits from either (1) the ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or residential real estate, or (2) products or services related to the real estate industry, such as building supplies or mortgage servicing.

Borrowing. The Fund may borrow for leverage or for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet portfolio redemption requests so as to permit the orderly disposition of portfolio securities, or to facilitate settlement transactions on portfolio securities. The Fund must maintain asset coverage of at least 300% of the amounts borrowed. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. The Fund expects that some of its borrowings may be made on a secured basis. In such situations, either the custodian will segregate the pledged assets for the

 

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benefit of the lender or arrangements will be made with a suitable subcustodian, which may include the lender. If the securities held by the Fund should decline in value while borrowings are outstanding, the NAV of the Fund’s outstanding shares will decline in value by proportionately more than the decline in value suffered by the Fund’s securities. As a result, the Fund’s share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. The Fund’s short sales against the box and related borrowing are not subject to the restrictions outlined above.

Leverage. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may borrow an amount up to 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less all liabilities other than borrowings. The Fund intends to engage in short sales, which are a form of leverage, as a principal investment strategy. Although the use of leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased return, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on the securities and instruments purchased with leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of the leverage, the Fund’s return will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities and investments purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of leverage, the Fund’s return will be less than if leverage had not been used. There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. Leverage involves risks and special considerations for the Fund including:

 

   

the likelihood of greater volatility of the Fund’s NAV than a comparable portfolio without leverage;

 

   

the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt will reduce the Fund’s return; and

 

   

the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the Fund’s NAV than if the Fund were not leveraged.

The Fund nevertheless may determine to continue to use leverage if the benefits to the Fund’s shareholders of maintaining the leveraged position are expected to outweigh the current reduced return.

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund does not intend to invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which are securities that the Adviser believes cannot be disposed of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at the approximate value at which the Fund has valued the securities. Any security can become illiquid at any time, but generally illiquid securities could include (but are not limited to): securities that are not readily marketable; repurchase agreements and other agreements with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; securities for which there is no secondary market; certain structured securities and certain swap transactions; certain over the counter options such as interest rate caps, floors and collars; and certain privately-placed securities that the Adviser determines are illiquid, based on its review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.

 

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The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act (“Rule 144A Securities”). These Rule 144A Securities will not be considered illiquid if the Adviser determines that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. As a result, the Fund could hold more illiquid securities during any period in which qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing Rule 144A Securities. The only types of restricted securities in which the Fund intends to invest are Rule 144A Securities that the Adviser has determined are not illiquid.

Normally, Rule 144A Securities are purchased and valued at a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, because the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Rule 144A Securities, and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

The Board of Directors has delegated to the Adviser the daily function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Fund’s securities in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The Board exercises its oversight responsibility for liquidity and remains responsible for liquidity determinations.

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to financial institutions in accordance with the investment restrictions described below. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and only when, in the Adviser’s judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of the Fund’s securities will be fully collateralized and marked to market daily.

Derivatives . Generally, derivatives can be characterized as financial instruments whose performance is derived, at least in part, from the performance of an underlying asset or assets. Types of derivatives include options, futures contracts, options on futures and forward contracts. Derivative instruments may be used for a variety of reasons, including to enhance return, hedge certain market risks, or provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities. Derivatives may provide a cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way for the Fund to invest than “traditional” securities would.

 

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Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative and the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities.

Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter derivatives. Exchange-traded derivatives generally are guaranteed by the clearing agency which is the issuer or counterparty to such derivatives. This guarantee usually is supported by a daily payment system (i.e., margin requirements) operated by the clearing agency in order to reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives purchased on an exchange. By contrast, no clearing agency guarantees over-the-counter derivatives. Therefore, each party to an over-the-counter derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default. Accordingly, the Fund will consider the creditworthiness of counterparties to over-the-counter derivatives in the same manner as it would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by the Fund. Over-the-counter derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives since the other party to the transaction may be the only investor with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it.

The value of some derivative instruments in which the Fund may invest may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like the other investments of the Fund, the ability of the Fund to successfully utilize these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of the sub-adviser to forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. If the Adviser incorrectly forecasts such factors and has taken positions in derivative instruments contrary to prevailing market trends, the Fund could be exposed to the risk of loss.

The Fund might not employ any of the strategies described below, and no assurance can be given that any strategy used will succeed. If the Adviser incorrectly forecasts interest rates, market values or other economic factors in utilizing a derivatives strategy for the Fund, the Fund might have been in a better position if it had not entered into transaction at all. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances. The use of these strategies involves certain special risks, including a possible imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of derivative instruments and price movements of related investments. While some strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in related investments or otherwise, due to the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a portfolio security at a time that otherwise would be favorable or the possible need to sell a portfolio security at a disadvantageous time because the Fund is required to maintain asset coverage or offsetting positions in connection with transactions in derivative instruments, and the possible inability of the Fund to close out or to liquidate its derivatives positions. In addition, the Fund’s use of such instruments may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains which generally cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates) than if it had not used such instruments.

Options on Securities and Securities Indices. The Fund may write covered call and secured put options on any securities in which it may invest or on any domestic stock indices

 

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based on securities in which it may invest. The Fund may purchase and write such options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. A call option written by the Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price of the security. All call options written by the Fund are covered, which means that the Fund will own the securities subject to the option so long as the option is outstanding or use the other methods described below. The purpose of the Fund in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized in portfolio securities transactions alone. However, in writing covered call options for additional income, the Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security.

A put option written by the Fund obligates the Fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price for the security. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income. However, in return for the option premium, the Fund accepts the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities’ market value at the time of purchase.

All call and put options written by the Fund are covered. A written call option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities, in a segregated account noted on the Fund’s records or maintained by the Fund’s custodian with a value at least equal to the Fund’s obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the Fund’s net exposure on its written option position.

The Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparts to such option. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions” and do not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying security. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will have incurred a loss in the transaction.

The Fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the of the securities index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified amount. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

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The Fund may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. The Fund may also cover call and put options on a securities index by using the other methods described above.

The Fund may each purchase put and call options on any securities in which it may invest or on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest, and the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it had purchased.

The Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease (“protective puts”) in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of the Fund’s securities. Put options may also be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.

The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it may purchase options on securities. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

Transactions by the Fund in options on securities and securities indices will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options that the Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

 

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Although the Fund may use option transactions to seek to generate additional income and to seek to reduce the effect of any adverse price movement in the securities or currency subject to the option, they do involve certain risks that are different in some respects from investment risks associated with similar mutual funds, which do not engage in such activities. These risks include the following: for writing call options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the inability to participate in the appreciation of the underlying securities above the exercise price; for writing put options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the obligation to purchase the specified securities or to make a cash settlement on the securities index at prices which may not reflect current market values; and for purchasing call and put options, the possible loss of the entire premium paid. In addition, the effectiveness of hedging through the purchase or sale of securities index options, including options on the S&P 500 Index, will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with the price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation may not be possible because the securities held or to be acquired by the Fund may not exactly match the composition of the securities index on which options are written. If the forecasts of the Adviser regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, the Fund’s investment results may have been better without the hedge transactions.

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.

Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

The Fund’s ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with

 

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exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of over-the-counter options and, if it determines that such options are not readily marketable, the Fund’s ability to enter such options will be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments on illiquid securities.

The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options for hedging purposes depends in part on the Adviser’s ability to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract). When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases.

The Fund may purchase and sell Federal Funds, Eurodollar and Treasury futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts to seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selections and duration. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and options. Federal Funds futures contracts are futures contracts based on the simple average of the daily effective federal funds rate during the month of the contract. The effective federal funds rate is a weighted average of all federal funds transactions for a group of federal funds brokers who report to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York each day. Eurodollar futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on the implied forward LIBOR of a three-month deposit. Treasury futures are futures contracts to buy or sell the underlying Treasury securities of various maturities. The Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as described below or for purposes of seeking to increase total return, in each case, only to the extent permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). All futures contracts entered into by the Fund are traded on U.S. exchanges.

Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions, which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.

 

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Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that the Fund proposes to acquire. The Fund may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices that would adversely affect the value of the Fund’s securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the Fund’s securities. If, in the opinion of the Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for a Fund’s securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities the Fund owns may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Adviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by seeking to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the Fund’s securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the Fund’s securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.

On other occasions, the Fund may take a “long” position by purchasing futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available. Additionally, long positions in futures contracts may be used to hedge certain parts of the Fund which might be adversely affected by a drop in interest rates.

The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund’s assets. By writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium (upon exercise of the option), to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by the Fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.

 

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The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be affected. The Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

The Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging and to seek to increase total return as permitted by the CFTC regulations, which permit principals of an investment company, registered under the 1940 Act, to engage in such transactions without registering as commodity pool operators. The Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or securities or instruments which it expects to purchase. Except as stated below, the Fund’s futures transactions will be entered into for traditional hedging purposes — i.e., futures contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of securities that the Fund owns or securities purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase.

The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Code, for maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.

Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs require margin deposits and, in some cases, may require the Fund to establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.

Using futures contracts entails certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts transactions can be offset at favorable prices; possible reduction of the Fund’s income due to the use of hedging; possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations; imperfect correlation between the contract and the securities being hedged; and potential losses in excess of the amount initially invested in the futures contracts themselves. If the Adviser’s expectations regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, the Fund may have experienced better investment results without hedging. Using futures contracts and options on futures contracts requires special skills in addition to those needed to select portfolio securities.

While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from using futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. If there is an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, then the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss.

 

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Perfect correlation between the Fund’s futures positions and portfolio positions will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon individual securities, except certain U.S. Government securities. Other futures contracts available to hedge the Fund’s portfolio investments generally are limited to futures on various financial indices.

Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in some cases, may require the Fund to “set aside” (referred to sometimes as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other measures approved by the SEC or its staff while the futures contracts and options are open. Typically, this means that the Fund will establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the aggregate underlying value of such contracts or options. In accordance with applicable federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, related rules and various SEC and SEC staff positions, with respect to certain kinds of derivatives, the Fund must segregate assets. For example, with respect to forwards and futures contracts that are not contractually required to “cash settle,” the Fund must cover its open positions by setting aside liquid assets equal to the contracts’ full notional value. With respect to forwards, futures and index options that are contractually required to “cash settle,” however, the Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market (net) obligations, if any (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability, if any), rather than the notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash settled forward, futures and index options contracts, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. Using leverage involves certain risks. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions articulated from time to time by the SEC and its staff.

Equity Swaps. The Fund may enter into equity swap contracts to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in various circumstances, including circumstances where direct investment in the securities is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. Equity swaps may also be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. The counterparty to an equity swap contract will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. Equity swap contracts may be structured in different ways. For example, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap contract would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks (or an index of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the equity swap contract plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on the equity swap contract should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, the counterparty and the Fund may each agree to pay the other the difference between the relative investment performances that would have been achieved if the notional amount of the equity swap contract had been invested in different stocks (or indices of stocks).

 

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The Fund will generally enter into equity swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of an equity swap contract or periodically during its term. Equity swaps normally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to equity swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an equity swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash or liquid assets to cover the Fund’s exposure, the Fund and the Adviser believe that transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

The Fund will not enter into swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims paying ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by the Adviser. The Fund’s ability to enter into certain swap transactions may be limited by tax considerations.

Interest Rate Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Credit Default Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. The Fund may enter into interest rate and total return swaps and interest rate caps, floors and collars. The Fund may also purchase and write (sell) options on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. The Fund may also enter into credit default swaps based on a specified underlying asset (or groups of assets or indices).

The Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes, to manage the Fund’s maturity, or to seek to increase total return. As examples, the Fund may enter into swap transactions for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in an economical way.

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular security, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. As examples, interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index, or an index component. When the Fund is a buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets or indices). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay

 

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the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities or indices). On the other hand, when the Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or groups of securities or indices) to the buyer of the credit default swap. The Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.

A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swap transactions are structured. Generally, however, the Fund will enter into interest rate and total return, swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Interest rate and total return swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate and total return swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest rate or total return swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that such Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any.

To the extent that the Fund’s exposure in a transaction involving a swap, swaption or an interest rate floor, cap or collar is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets, or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Adviser believe that the transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

The Fund will not enter into any interest rate or total return swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party is rated either A or A-1 or better by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) or A or P-1 or better by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or their equivalent ratings, or, if unrated by such rating organization, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.

The use of interest rate and total return swaps, as well as interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different

 

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from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment instruments were not used.

In addition, these transactions can involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly because, in addition to general market risks, swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and pricing risk. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap transactions may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement if the swap counterparty defaults or files for bankruptcy protection. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively. Swaps may be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when a particular swap becomes extraordinarily expensive relative to historical prices or the price of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain market conditions it may not be economically feasible to imitate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market. The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Directors, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Fund’s transactions in swaps, swaptions, caps, floors and collars.

Interest rate swaps and total return swaps on indices and sub-indices on instruments otherwise eligible for investment, and options thereon (including swaptions), futures (Treasury, Eurodollar and Federal Funds) and options (including put and call options on financial futures contracts); options on securities otherwise eligible for investment, interest rate caps, interest rate floors and interest rate collars may constitute derivative instruments. The Fund intends to use derivative instruments to adjust the Fund’s average maturity, particularly when the Fund receives new investments or redemption requests, manage or reduce the Fund’s exposure to risks, primarily interest rate risk, and/or to generate additional return (which may be considered speculative).

Zero Coupon Bonds. To the extent consistent with its investment objective, the Fund generally may invest in zero coupon bonds, which are debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable.

 

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Zero coupon bonds involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities may not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, the Fund is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund. Additionally, the market prices of zero coupon bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

Convertible Securities and Preferred Stocks. The Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the

 

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convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, that Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.

Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest in a company and provide their owner with claims on the company’s earnings and assets prior to the claims of owners of common stocks but after those of bond owners. Preferred stocks in which the Fund may invest include sinking fund, convertible, perpetual fixed and adjustable rate (including auction rate) preferred stocks. There is no minimum credit rating applicable to the Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.

Synthetic Convertible Securities. Synthetic convertible securities are derivative positions composed of two or more different securities whose investment characteristics, taken together, resemble those of convertible securities. For example, the Fund may purchase a non-convertible debt security and a warrant or option, which enables the Fund to have a convertible-like position with respect to a company, group of companies or stock index. Synthetic convertible securities are typically offered by financial institutions and investments banks in private placement transactions. Upon conversion, the Fund generally receives an amount in cash equal to the difference between the conversion price and the then current value of the underlying security. Unlike a true convertible security, a synthetic convertible comprises two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the market value of a synthetic convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertible component. For this reason, the values of a synthetic convertible and a true convertible security may respond differently to market fluctuations.

Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities to the extent consistent with its investment objective. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may

 

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entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

Indexed Securities. The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole.

Initial Public Offerings. The Fund may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights. The Fund may invest in warrants or rights (in addition to those acquired in units or attached to other securities) which entitle the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time. The Fund will invest in warrants and rights only if such equity securities are deemed appropriate by the Adviser for investment by the Fund. Warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are generally charged at any stage for trades.

At the maturity of a forward contract the Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract or, at or prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts are often, but not always, effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

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The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in several circumstances. First, when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated or quoted in a foreign currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security which it holds, the Fund may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Fund will attempt to protect itself against an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received.

Additionally, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to protect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which the Fund can achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets.

The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities quoted or denominated in a different currency.

Unless otherwise covered in accordance with applicable regulations, cash or liquid assets of the Fund will be segregated in an amount equal to the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to the consummation of forward foreign currency exchange contracts. If the value of the segregated assets declines, additional cash or liquid assets will be segregated so that the value of the assets will equal the amount of the Fund’s commitments with respect to such contracts.

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the Fund to risk of foreign exchange loss.

Markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency instruments on an exchange. Forward contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to such contract will default on its

 

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obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. In addition, the institutions that deal in forward currency contracts are not required to continue to make markets in the currencies they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity. The Fund will not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps or other privately negotiated currency instruments unless the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is considered to be investment grade by the Adviser. To the extent that a substantial portion of the Fund’s total assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s net position after giving effect to currency transactions, is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries.

Writing and Purchasing Currency Call and Put Options. The Fund may, to the extent that it invests in foreign securities, write and purchase put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired. As with other kinds of option transactions, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received. If and when the Fund seeks to close out an option, the Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against exchange rate fluctuations; however, in the event of exchange rate movements adverse to the Fund’s position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. Options on foreign currencies may be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.

Options on currency may also be used for cross-hedging purposes, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to seek to hedge against changes in exchange rates for a different currency with a pattern of correlation, or to seek to increase total return when the Adviser anticipates that the currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but the securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not included in the Fund’s portfolio.

A call option written by the Fund obligates the Fund to sell a specified currency to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. A put option written by the Fund would obligate the Fund to purchase a specified currency from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. The writing of currency options involves a risk that the Fund will, upon exercise of the option, be required to sell currency subject to a call at a price that is less than the currency’s market value or be required to purchase currency subject to a put at a price that exceeds the currency’s market value. Written put and call options on foreign currencies may be covered in a manner similar to written put and call options on securities and securities indices described above.

The Fund may terminate its obligations under a call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions.” The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options purchased by the Fund.

 

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The Fund may purchase call options on foreign currency in anticipation of an increase in the U.S. dollar value of currency in which securities to be acquired by the Fund are quoted or denominated. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified currency at a specified price during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.

The Fund may purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the U.S. dollar value of currency in which securities in its portfolio are quoted or denominated (“protective puts”). The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified currency at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is usually designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the dollar value of the Fund’s portfolio securities due to currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of underlying currency or portfolio securities.

In addition to using options for the hedging purposes described above, the Fund may use options on currency to seek to increase total return. The Fund may write (sell) covered put and call options on any currency in order to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, in writing covered call options for additional income, the Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying currency. Also, when writing put options, the Fund accepts, in return for the option premium, the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying currency at a price in excess of the currency’s market value at the time of purchase.

An exchange traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying securities pursuant to the exercise of put options. If the Fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency) or dispose of the segregated assets, until the option expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise.

There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of customers’ orders.

The Fund may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent consistent with

 

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its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by the Fund.

The amount of the premiums which the Fund may pay or receive may be adversely affected as new or existing institutions, including other investment companies, engage in or increase their option purchasing and writing activities.

Dealer Options. Dealer options are options negotiated individually through dealers rather than traded on an exchange. Certain risks are specific to dealer options and exchange-traded options. While the Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the Fund purchases a dealer option it must rely on the selling dealer to perform if the Fund exercises the option. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.

Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, the Fund can realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the issuing dealer. Similarly, when the Fund writes a dealer option, the Fund can close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer. While the Fund seeks to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and can enter into closing transactions with the Fund, no assurance exists that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless the Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, can effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, the Fund might be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund. For example, because the Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the Fund may not sell the assets which it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair the Fund’s ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.

Straddles. A straddle, which may be used for hedging purposes, is a combination of put and call options on the same underlying security used for hedging purposes to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the Fund’s overall position. A possible combined position would involve writing a covered call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to reduce the risk of the written covered call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

Private Funds and Other Instruments. U.S. or foreign private limited partnerships or other investment funds are referred to a private funds (“Private Funds”). Investments in Private Funds may be highly speculative and volatile. Because Private Funds generally are investment companies for purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund’s ability to invest in them will be limited. In addition, the Fund’s shareholders will remain subject to the Fund’s expenses while also bearing their pro rata. share of the operating expenses of the Private Funds. The ability of the Fund to dispose of interests in Private Funds is very limited and involves risks, including loss of the Fund’s entire investment in the Private Fund.

 

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Private investment funds include a variety of pooled investments. Generally, these pooled investments are structured as a trust, a special purpose vehicle, and are exempted from registration under the 1940 Act. As an investor, the Fund owns a proportionate share of the trust. Typically, the trust does not employ a professional investment manager. Instead, the pooled investment tracks some index by investing in the issuers or securities that comprise the index. The Fund receives a stream of cash flows in the form of interest payments from the underlying assets or the proceeds from the sale of the underlying assets in the event those underlying assets are sold. However, some pooled investments may not dispose of the underlying securities regardless of the adverse events affecting the issuers depending on the investment strategy utilized. In this type of strategy, the pooled investment continues to hold the underlying securities as long as the issuers or securities remain members of the tracked index.

The pooled investments allow the Fund to synchronize the receipt of interest and principal payments and also, diversify some of the risks involved with investing in fixed-income securities. Because the trust holds securities of many issuers, the default of a few issuers would not impact the Fund significantly. However, the Fund bears any expenses incurred by the trust. In addition, the Fund assumes the liquidity risks generally associated with the privately offered pooled investments.

Pooled investments that are structured as a trust contain many similarities to Private Funds that are structured as limited partnerships. The primary difference between the trust and the limited partnership structure is the redemption of the ownership interests. The ownership interests in a typical Private Fund are redeemable only by the general partners and thus, are restricted from transferring from one party to another. Conversely, the ownership interests in the trust are generally not redeemable by the trust, except under certain circumstances, and are transferable among the general public for publicly offered securities and “qualified purchasers” or “qualified institutional buyers” for privately offered securities.

The Fund cannot assure that it can achieve better results by investing in a pooled investment versus investing directly in the individual underlying assets.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund. The Fund may not:

 

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  1. Borrow money, except the Fund may borrow money to the fullest extent permitted under the 1940 Act and, in particular, the Fund may (a) borrow from banks (as defined in the 1940 Act) or enter into reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33-1/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed); (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes; and (c) obtain such credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any permitted borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to swaps and other derivatives are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets, and provided that any collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Fund will not purchase securities while aggregate borrowings for temporary purposes exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation. To the extent the Fund covers its commitment under a reverse repurchase transaction (or economically similar transaction) by segregating assets determined to be liquid equal in value to the amount of the Fund’s commitment to repurchase, such an agreement would not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Fund.

 

  2. Issue senior securities, except as described above in number 1 or as permitted under the 1940 Act;

 

  3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities;

 

  4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein;

 

  5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase, sell or enter into options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, swap agreements and other derivative instruments;

 

  6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio instruments and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in U.S. Government obligations, loan participations and assignments, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan;

 

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  7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities).

 

  8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

The Fund’s investment objective and strategies described in the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders upon 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s securities. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s securities are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s securities holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about its portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include PFPC Trust Company, the custodian for the Fund; PFPC Inc. (“PFPC”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; GCom 2 Solutions and RR Donnelley, the Fund’s financial printers; and Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), the Fund’s proxy voting service. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the

 

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information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information, and (ii) financial consultants to assist them in determining the suitability of the Fund as an investment for their clients, in each case in accordance with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the Company’s and the Adviser’s fiduciary duties to Fund shareholders. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 30-day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund.

Any violations of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violations must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third-party service provider to the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board of Directors of the Company or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their dates of birth, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address, and

Date of Birth

  

Position(s)

Held with

Fund

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

  

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

Comcast Corporation

1500 Market Street,

35 th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19102

DOB: 7/16/33

   Director    1988 to present    Since 1969, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications); Director, NDS Group PLC (provider of systems and applications for digital pay TV).    22   

Comcast

Corporation; AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommuni-cations companies)

Nicholas A. Giordano

1755 Governors Way

Blue Bell, PA 19422

DOB: 03/7/43

   Director    Since 2006    Consultant, financial services organizations from 1997 to present.    22    Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust; WT Mutual Fund; Independence Blue Cross; IntriCon Corporation (industrial furnaces and ovens); Commerce Bank

 

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Name, Address, and

Date of Birth

  

Position(s)
Held with
Fund

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

  

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director

Francis J. McKay

Fox Chase Cancer Center

333 Cottman Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19111

DOB: 12/06/35

   Director    1988 to present    Since 2000, Vice President, Fox Chase Cancer Center (biomedical research and medical care).    22    None

Arnold M. Reichman

106 Pierrepont Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

DOB: 5/21/48

  

Chairman

 

 

Director

  

2005 to present

 

1991 to

present

   Director, Gabelli Group Capital Partners, L.P. (an investment partnership) from 2000 to 2006.    22    None

Mark A. Sargent

Villanova University School of Law

299 North Spring Mill Road

Villanova, PA 19085

DOB: 4/28/51

   Director    Since 2006    Dean and Professor of Law, Villanova University School of Law since July 1997; Member Board of Governors, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (2007 – Present).    22    WT Mutual Fund

Marvin E. Sternberg

Moyco Technologies, Inc.

200 Commerce Drive

Montgomeryville, PA 18936

DOB: 3/24/34

   Director    1991 to present    Since 1974, Chairman, Director and President, Moyco Technologies, Inc. (manufacturer of precision coated and industrial abrasives). Since 1999, Director, Pennsylvania Business Bank.    22    Moyco Technologies, Inc.

Robert A. Straniere

300 East 57 th Street

New York, NY 10022

DOB: 3/28/41

   Director    Since 2006    Member, New York State Assembly (1981-2004); Founding Partner, Straniere Law Firm (1980 to date); Partner, Gotham Strategies (consulting firm) (2005 to date); Partner, The Gotham Global Group (consulting firm) (2005 to date); President, The New York City Hot Dog Company (2005 to date); and Partner, Kanter-Davidoff (law firm) (2006 to date).    22    Reich and Tang Group (asset management); The Sparx Asia Funds (registered investment company)

 

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Name, Address, and

Date of Birth

  

Position(s)
Held with
Fund

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

  

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director

INTERESTED DIRECTORS 2

Robert Sablowsky

Oppenheimer & Company, Inc.

200 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10166

DOB: 4/16/38

   Director    1991 to present    Since July 2002, Senior Vice President and prior thereto, Executive Vice President of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., formerly Fahnestock & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer). Since November 2004, Director of Kensington Funds.    22    Kensington Funds (registered investment company)

J. Richard Carnall

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

DOB: 9/25/38

   Director    2002 to present    Director of PFPC Inc. from January 1987 to April 2002, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PFPC Inc. until April 2002, Executive Vice President of PNC Bank, National Association from October 1981 to April 2002, Director of PFPC International Ltd. (financial services) from August 1993 to April 2002, Director of PFPC International (Cayman) Ltd. (financial services) from September 1996 to April 2002; Governor of the Investment Company Institute (investment company industry trade organization) from July 1996 to January 2002; Director of PNC Asset Management, Inc. (investment advisory) from September 1994 to March 1998; Director of PNC National Bank from October 1995 to November 1997; Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.) since 1984; and Director of Cornerstone Bank since March 2004.    22    Cornerstone Bank
OFFICERS

Edward J. Roach

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

DOB: 6/29/24

  

President

and

Treasurer

  

1991 to present and

1988 to present

   Certified Public Accountant; Vice Chairman of the Board, Fox Chase Cancer Center; Trustee Emeritus, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf; Trustee Emeritus, Immaculata University; Managing General Partner, President since 2002, Treasurer since 1981 and Chief Compliance Officer since September 2004 of Chestnut Street Exchange Fund.    N/A    N/A

Jennifer Rogers

301 Bellevue Parkway

2nd Floor

Wilmington, DE 19809

DOB: 7/28/74

   Secretary    2007 to present    Since 2005, Vice President and Associate Counsel, PFPC Inc. (financial services company); Associate, Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLC (law firm) from 1999 to 2005.    N/A    N/A

 

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Name, Address, and

Date of Birth

  

Position(s)
Held with
Fund

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

  

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director

Salvatore Faia, Esquire, CPA

Vigilant Compliance Services

186 Dundee Drive, Suite 700

Williamstown, NJ 08094

DOB: 12/25/62

   Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2004    President, Vigilant Compliance Services since 2004; Senior Legal Counsel, PFPC Inc. from 2002 to 2004; Chief Legal Counsel, Corviant Corporation (Investment Adviser, Broker-Dealer and Service Provider to Investment Advisers and Separate Accountant Providers) from 2001 to 2002.    N/A    N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-two portfolios of the Company that are currently offered for sale.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director, except Messrs. Giordano, Sargent and Straniere, may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of year 2011, unless otherwise extended by vote of the disinterested Directors, or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, Messrs. Giordano, Sargent and Straniere may serve until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Messrs. Carnall and Sablowsky are considered “interested persons” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Mr. Carnall is an “interested Director” of the Company because he owns shares of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The investment adviser to the Company’s Money Market Portfolio, BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation; the investment adviser to the Company’s Senbanc Fund, Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors, a division of J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc.; and the Company’s principal underwriter, PFPC Distributors, Inc., are indirect subsidiaries of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an officer of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

The Board and Standing Committees

Board. The Board of Directors is comprised of nine individuals, two of whom are considered “interested” Directors as defined by the 1940 Act. The remaining Directors are referred to as “Disinterested” or “Independent” Directors. The Board meets at least quarterly to review the investment performance of each portfolio in the mutual fund family and other operational matters, including policies and procedures with respect to compliance with regulatory and other requirements. Currently, the Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, an Executive Committee. a Nominating Committee and a Regulatory Oversight Committee. The responsibilities of each committee and its members are described below.

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised only of Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, McKay and Sternberg. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent registered public accounting firm(s). The Audit Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised only of Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Brodsky,

 

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Reichman, Sargent and Sternberg. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board of Directors is not in session. The Executive Committee did not convene during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

Nominating Committee. The Board has a Nominating Committee comprised only of Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, McKay and Sargent. The Nominating Committee recommends to the Board of Directors all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee in care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating Committee convened once during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of two interested Directors and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Reichman, Sargent, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee was created on May 23, 2007 by the Company’s Board of Directors and convened once during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007.

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2007.

 

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Name of Director

 

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the Fund

 

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity

Securities in All Registered

Investment Companies Overseen by

Director within the Family of

Investment Companies

DISINTERESTED DIRECTORS
Julian A. Brodsky   None   Over $100,000
Nicholas A. Giordano   None   None
Francis J. McKay   None   Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman   None   Over $100,000
Mark A. Sargent   None   None
Marvin E. Sternberg   None   None
Robert A. Straniere   None   None
INTERESTED DIRECTORS
J. Richard Carnall   None   None
Robert Sablowsky   None   Over $100,000

 

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Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

Since May 23, 2007, the Company pays each Director at the rate of $17,500 annually, $3,500 per meeting of the Board of Directors, and $500 for each committee meeting lasting up to one hour or $1,500 for each committee meeting lasting over one hour attended by a Director or in which he participates whether or not it is held in conjunction with a Board meeting. Prior to November 15, 2007, no Director was paid for a committee meeting if it was held in conjunction with a Board meeting. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $12,000 per year for his services in this capacity, and the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and Regulatory Oversight Committee receives an additional fee of $4,000 per year for his services. From February 15, 2006 to May 23, 2007, the Company paid each Director at the rate of $17,500 annually and $3,500 per meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof that was not held in conjunction with a Board meeting. Each Director received a fee of $500 for telephonic Board or Committee meetings lasting one-half hour or less. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $12,000 per year for his services in this capacity, and the Chairman of the Audit Committee received an additional fee of $4,000 per year for his services. Prior to February 15, 2006, the Company paid each Director at the rate of $16,500 annually and $1,375 per meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof that was not held in conjunction with a Board meeting. In addition, the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $6,600 per year for his services in this capacity.

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof. The Company also compensates its President and Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer for their respective services to the Company. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, each of the following members of the Board of Directors and the President and Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer

   Aggregate
Compensation
from Registrant
   Pension or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of
Fund Expenses
   Estimated
Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement
   Total
Compensation
from Fund and
Fund Complex
Paid to
Directors or
Officers

Independent Directors:

           

Julian A. Brodsky, Director

   $ 38,500      N/A    N/A    $ 38,500

Nicholas A. Giordano, Director

   $ 33,267      N/A    N/A    $ 33,267

Francis J. McKay, Director

   $ 40,500      N/A    N/A    $ 40,500

Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman

   $ 52,500      N/A    N/A    $ 52,500

Mark A. Sargent, Director

   $ 34,267      N/A    N/A    $ 34,267

Marvin E. Sternberg, Director

   $ 44,500      N/A    N/A    $ 44,500

Robert Straniere, Director

   $ 40,000      N/A    N/A    $ 40,000

Interested Directors:

           

J. Richard Carnall, Director and former Chairman

   $ 40,500      N/A    N/A    $ 40,500

Robert Sablowsky, Director

   $ 40,500      NIA    NIA    $ 40,500

Officers:

           

Salvatore Faia, Esquire, CPA Chief Compliance Officer

   $ 232,171      N/A    N/A    $ 232,171

Edward J. Roach, President and Treasurer

   $ 43,000    $ 4,300    N/A    $ 47,300

 

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As of December 31, 2007 the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or underwriter, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or underwriter.

On October 24, 1990, the Company adopted, as a participating employer, the Fund Office Retirement Profit-Sharing Plan and Trust Agreement, a retirement plan for employees, pursuant to which the Company will contribute on a quarterly basis amounts equal to 10% of the quarterly compensation of each eligible employee (currently limited to Edward J. Roach). By virtue of the services performed by the Company’s investment advisers, custodians, administrators and underwriter, the Company itself requires only one part-time employee. No officer, Director or employee of the Advisers or the underwriter currently receives any compensation from the Company.

Certain Interests of Independent Director

Mr. Brodsky serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”). Comcast has a $5 billion revolving credit facility with a lending syndicate of 27 banks, one of which is Merrill Lynch Bank USA (“ML Bank”), an affiliate of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”), which owns a controlling interest in BlackRock, Inc., the parent company of BIMC. ML Bank’s obligation as part of the syndicate is limited to $100 million, or approximately 2.0% of the total amount of the credit facility. The credit facility is used for working capital, capital expenditures, commercial paper backup and other lawful corporate purposes. There were no amounts outstanding on the ML Bank pro rata share of the credit facility during the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006 (including any predecessor credit facility in effect during such period), based on month-end balances. There was no balance outstanding on the ML Bank pro rata share of the credit facility as of December 1, 2007. The interest rate on amounts drawn under the credit facility is based upon Comcast’s credit ratings. As of December 1, 2007, the interest rates are (i) for amounts undrawn, London

 

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Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 8 basis points; (ii) for the first draw up to 50% drawn, LIBOR plus 35 basis points; and (iii) for amounts drawn greater than 50% drawn, LIBOR plus 45 basis points. During the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006, Merrill Lynch participated as an underwriter in 6 (six) Comcast debt offerings. Merrill Lynch served as a joint book-running manager in 2 (two) of those debt offerings. Comcast has advised the Company that on average its institutional debt offerings include 23 firms in the underwriting syndicate and its retail debt offerings include 53 firms in the underwriting syndicate. For the underwriting services provided during this period, Merrill Lynch received fees from Comcast of approximately $11.8 million. Merrill Lynch also serves as the administrator to Comcast’s stock option plan and restricted stock plan and received an annual fee of no more than $800,000 for each of the two years in the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006.

CODE OF ETHICS

The Company, the Adviser and PFPC Distributors, Inc. (the “Underwriter”) have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company.

PROXY VOTING

The Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund. The Adviser employs ISS, a third-party service provider, to assist in the voting of proxies. These procedures have been provided to ISS, who analyzes the proxies and makes recommendations, based on the Adviser’s policy, as to how to vote such proxies. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available, without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 509-7229 and by visiting the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

Prior to the date of this SAI, BSAM held all of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

Investment Adviser

BSAM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (“Bear Stearns”), a publicly-traded Delaware corporation, serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company (the “Advisory Agreement”). Under the Advisory Agreement, BSAM will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the Fund, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Fund. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, restrictions and policies stated in the Prospectus and SAI. BSAM will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Company in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of BSAM in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under the Advisory Agreement.

For its investment advisory services to the Fund, BSAM is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee under the Advisory Agreement computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. BSAM is contractually waiving a portion of its advisory fee and reimbursing certain expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, litigation, dividends and interest expense and other financing costs associated with the use of proceeds from securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, and brokerage and other transaction expenses relating to the purchase or sale of portfolio investments) to 1.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares and 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. The Adviser may recoup the amount of any management fee waivers or expense reimbursements from the Fund if such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the stated expense limitations and the recoupment is made within three years after the year in which the Adviser waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses.

The Fund bears its own expenses not specifically assumed by BSAM. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to, the expenses listed in the Prospectus and the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by BSAM; (c) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (d) any extraordinary expenses; (e) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (f) the cost of investment

 

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company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers; (g) organizational costs; (h) fees to the Adviser and PFPC; (i) fees and expenses of officers and Directors who are not affiliated with the Fund’s Adviser or Underwriter; (j) taxes; (k) interest; (l) legal fees; (m) custodian fees; (n) auditing fees; (o) brokerage fees and commissions; (p) certain of the fees and expenses of registering and qualifying the Fund and its shares for distribution under federal and state securities laws; (q) expenses of preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information and distributing annually to existing shareholders that are not attributable to a particular portfolio or class of shares of the Company; (r) the expense of reports to shareholders, shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (s) fidelity bond and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums; (t) the expense of using independent pricing services; and (u) other expenses which are not expressly assumed by the Adviser under its advisory agreement with the Fund.

The Advisory Agreement was initially approved on February 14, 2008 for a term ending August 16, 2009 by a vote of the Company’s Board of Directors, including a majority of those Directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such parties. The Advisory Agreement was approved by the sole shareholder of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement is terminable by vote of the Company’s Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, at any time without penalty, on 90 days’ written notice to BSAM. The Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by BSAM on 60 days’ written notice to the Company. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of assignment thereof.

 

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Portfolio Manager

Other Accounts. The table below discloses accounts, other than the Fund, managed by a team led by Michael A. Rosen, who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. This information is as of February 19, 2008.

 

Fund Manager

   Registered Investment
Companies
   Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
   Other Accounts
   Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets
   Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets
   Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets

Michael A. Rosen

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0    10    $ 47 million

The accounts identified below represent accounts for which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account.

 

     Registered Investment
Companies
   Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
   Other Accounts

Fund Manager

   Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets
   Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets
   Number of
Accounts
   Total
Assets

Michael A. Rosen

   0    $ 0    0    $ 0    0    $ 0

Material Conflicts of Interest. Actual or potential conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has management responsibilities to more than one account (including the Fund), such as devotion of unequal time and attention to the management of the accounts, inability to allocate limited investment opportunities across a broad band of accounts and incentive to allocate opportunities to an account where the portfolio manager or Adviser has a greater financial incentive, such as a performance fee account. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address these types of conflicts and that serve to operate in a manner that is fair and equitable among its clients, including the Fund.

Description of Compensation. In general, all investment professionals receive a base salary (paid on a bi-weekly basis) and incentive compensation (cash bonus and/or equity incentives). For employees whose contribution and competency fully meet expectations, the base salary is targeted at or above the market median (based on internal and external market data for the role being performed). Bonus pool allocations and individual bonus/equity decisions are based on a number of factors including: overall Bear Stearns performance, BSAM performance, and an evaluation of the employee’s merit and contributions to the overall operations of his or her department. As these individuals advance within the organization, the variable components generally increase as a percentage of their total compensation. Mr. Rosen is not compensated differently based on the performance of the Fund as compared to the performance of Other Accounts disclosed above. Performance is examined over market cycles which are typically trailing one-, three- and five-year periods, but more weight is given to performance during the one- and three-year periods.

 

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Securities Ownership. The Fund has not offered shares to the public as of the date of this SAI and, accordingly, the Portfolio Manager does not own any shares of the Fund as of that date.

Custodian Agreement

PFPC Trust Company, 8800 Tinicum Boulevard, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19153 (the “Custodian”), is the custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement between the Custodian and the Company dated August 16, 1988, as amended and supplemented (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Company’s Board of Directors concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian.

Transfer Agency Agreement

PFPC, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, an affiliate of the Custodian and Underwriter, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency agreement dated November 5, 1991, as supplemented (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which PFPC: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Company’s Board of Directors concerning the operations of the Fund. PFPC may, on 30 days’ notice to the Company, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any other affiliate of PNC Bank Corp.

PFPC also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. The Company pays an annual fee, ranging from $3,000 - $50,000, based on the number of open accounts in each portfolio of the Company. In addition, PFPC provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including the verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification. The Fund will pay PFPC $2.25 per customer verification and $.02 per month per record result maintained.

Administration and Accounting Services Agreement

PFPC serves as administrator and fund accounting agent to the Fund pursuant to an administration and accounting services agreement (the

 

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“Administration Agreement”). PFPC has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. In addition, PFPC has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies. The Administration Agreement provides that PFPC shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the performance of its duties, to act in good faith and to use its best efforts, within reasonable limits, in performing services thereunder. PFPC shall be responsible for failure to perform its duties under the Administration Agreement arising out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence or reckless disregard.

The Administration Agreements provide that PFPC shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company or the Fund in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.

On June 1, 2003, the Company entered into a regulatory administration services agreement with PFPC. Under this agreement, PFPC has agreed to provide regulatory administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s regulatory administration. PFPC receives an annual fee based on the average daily net assets of the portfolios of the Company.

Distribution Agreement and Shareholder Servicing Arrangements

The Underwriter, whose principal business address is 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406, serves as the principal underwriter of the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, dated as of January 2, 2001, as supplemented (the “Distribution Agreement”). Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the related Plan of Distribution for Class A Shares (the “Distribution Plan”), which was adopted by the Company in the manner prescribed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Underwriter will use appropriate efforts to solicit orders for the sale of the Fund’s shares. Payments to the Underwriter under the Distribution Plan are to compensate it for distribution assistance and expenses assumed and activities intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares. As compensation for its distribution services, the Underwriter receives, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, a distribution fee under the Distribution Plan, to be calculated daily and paid monthly by Class A Shares of the Fund, at the annual rate set forth in the Class A Shares Prospectus. Pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Plan, the Underwriter may also use the distribution fee to compensate securities dealers, brokers, financial institutions and other industry professionals (“Service Organizations”) for distribution services.

The Company has also adopted a Shareholder Services Plan (the “Services Plan”) and related Servicing Agreement with respect to Class A Shares and Class I Shares of the Fund. Pursuant to the Services Plan, the Underwriter is authorized to enter into Servicing Agreements on behalf of the Fund with Service Organizations that are shareholders of record or that have a servicing relationship with beneficial owners of the Fund’s shares. Service Organizations are

 

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entitled to receive a fee equal to an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares or Class I Shares in consideration for performing certain shareholder administrative support services for their clients. Such services may include, but are not limited to ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts, sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services and administrative services.

Administrative Services Agreement

The Underwriter provides certain administrative services to the Fund that are not provided by PFPC, pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement between the Company and the Underwriter. These services include acting as liaison between the Fund and various service providers and assisting with the preparation of proxy statements, annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports.

For its services to the Fund pursuant to the Custodian Agreement, Transfer Agency Agreement, Administration Agreement, Administrative Services Agreement and Distribution Agreement, PFPC Trust, PFPC, and PFPC Distributors are entitled to receive a monthly fee calculated at the annual rate of:

.06% of the first $500 million of average net assets

.0375% on the next $250 million of average net assets

.0325% on the next $250 million of average net assets

.0285% on average net assets over $1 billion

There is a minimum monthly fee of $8,438 for the first 12 months and $13,125 thereafter, exclusive of custody transaction charges, shareholder account fees (if applicable) and expenses, other PFPC transaction fees and set-up costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Fund and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Fund and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective contracts. A commission paid to

 

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such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long-term.

Investment decisions for the Fund and for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser are made independently of each other in the light of differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as the Fund is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be beneficial to the Fund.

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

Read the Fund’s Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares, including any applicable sales charges. The following information supplements information in the Fund’s Prospectus.

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. Generally, redemption proceeds will be paid within seven days after the receipt of a valid redemption request; however, redemption proceeds for recently purchased Fund shares paid for by check may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen days from the purchase date. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in kind, which means the Company will distribute to the redeeming shareholder securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) or the Federal Reserve System are closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

 

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Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Company’s Board of Directors, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

The computation of the hypothetical offering price per Class A Share, based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and the Fund’s shares outstanding as of the initial offering of shares is as follows:

 

NAV per Share

   $ 15.00  

Maximum Sales Charge

     5.75 %

Maximum Offering Price to Public

   $ 15.92  

Class I Shares are offered at their NAV.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions. Purchases of $1 million or more of Class A Shares are not subject to an initial sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge is payable on these investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of the charge, it is assumed that shares purchased with reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions and then other shares held the longest are the first redeemed. The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in the event of (a) the death or disability (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code) of the shareholder, (b) a lump sum distribution from a benefit plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or (c) systematic withdrawals from ERISA plans if the shareholder is at least 59  1 / 2 years old. The Fund applies the waiver for death or disability to shares held at the time of death or the initial determination of disability of either an individual shareholder or one who owns the shares of a joint tenant with the right of survivorship or as a tenant in common.

Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge

Class A Shares are offered to the public at NAV plus a front-end sales charge. You can reduce or eliminate the front-end sales charge on shares of the Fund as follows:

Quantity Discounts . Purchases of at least $50,000 can reduce the sales charges you pay, and purchases of at least $1,000,000 can eliminate the sales charges you pay.

 

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Combined Purchase Privilege. The following purchases may be combined for purposes of determining the “amount of purchase”: (a) individual purchases, if made at the same time, by a single purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse and children under the age of 25 purchasing shares for their own accounts, including shares purchased by a qualified retirement plan(s) exclusively for the benefit of such individual(s) (such as an IRA, individual-type section 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan) or by a Company, as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act, solely controlled, as defined in the 1940 Act, by such individual(s), or (b) individual purchases by trustees or other fiduciaries purchasing shares (i) for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan, or (ii) concurrently by two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of employers affiliated with each other in accordance with Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the 1940 Act (excluding in either case an employee benefit plan described in (a) above), provided such trustees or other fiduciaries purchase shares in a single payment. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts may not be combined with purchases made for such other accounts.

Accumulated Purchases. If you make an additional purchase of Class A Shares, you can count previous shares purchased and still invested in the Fund in calculating the applicable sales charge on the additional purchase.

Letter of Intent. You can sign a Letter of Intent committing to purchase at least $500,000 (or $1,000,000) in Class A Shares within a 13-month period to combine such purchases in calculating the sales charge. A portion of your Fund shares will be held in escrow. If you complete your purchase commitments as stated in the Letter of Intent, our Fund shares held in escrow will be released to your account. If you do not fulfill the Letter of Intent, the appropriate amount of Fund shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay the sales charges that were not applied to your purchases.

Dealer Reallowances

As shown in the table below, the Underwriter may provide dealer reallowances up to the full sales charge for purchases of the Fund’s shares in which a front-end sales charge is applicable.

 

Amount of Purchase

   Maximum Sales Charge
Allowed to Dealers as a
Percentage of Offering Price
 

Less than $50,000

   5.75 %

At least $50,000 but less than $100,000

   4.50 %

At least $100,000 but less than $250,000

   3.50 %

At least $250,000 but less than $500,000

   2.50 %

At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000

   2.00 %

$1,000,000 or greater

   0.00 %

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide

 

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the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months, if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers, financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

VALUATION OF SHARES

Shares of the Fund are valued at their NAV. The NAV per share is calculated as follows:

 

      Value of Assets Attributable to the Share Class
NAV =      - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Share Class
       Number of Outstanding Shares of the Fund

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Currently, the NYSE is closed on New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of those holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

Subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the securities being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors.

TAXES

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund that are not described in the Prospectus.

 

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The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

Federal Taxes

The Fund intends to qualify in each taxable year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally is exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

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The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income each calendar year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

State and Local Taxes

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a “regulated investment company” and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

Taxation of Certain Investments

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments and futures contracts and options that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 78.073 billion shares have been classified into 120 classes as shown in the table below, however, the Company only has 35 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board of Directors has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Class of Common Stock

   Number of
Authorized
Shares
(millions)
  

Class of Common Stock

   Number of
Authorized
Shares
(millions)
A (Growth & Income)    100    BBB    100
B    100    CCC    100
C (Balanced)    100    DDD (Robeco Boston Partners Institutional Small Cap Value Fund II)    100

 

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Class of Common Stock

   Number of
Authorized
Shares
(millions)
  

Class of Common Stock

   Number of
Authorized
Shares
(millions)
D (Tax-Free)    100    EEE (Robeco Boston Partners Investors Small Cap Value Fund II)    100
E (Money)    500    FFF    100
F (Municipal Money)    500    GGG    100
G (Money)    500    HHH    100
H (Municipal Money)    500    III (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity-Institutional Class)    100
I (Sansom Money)    1,500    JJJ (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity-Investor Class)    100
J (Sansom Municipal Money)    500    KKK (Robeco Boston Partners Funds)    100
K (Sansom Government Money)    500    LLL (Robeco Boston Partners Funds)    100
L (Bedford Money)    1,500    MMM (n/i numeric Small Cap Value)    100
M (Bedford Municipal Money)    500    NNN (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth – Institutional Class)    100
N (Bedford Government Money)    500    OOO (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth – Investor Class)    100
O (Bedford N.Y. Money)    500    PPP (Schneider Value Fund)    100
P (RBB Government)    100    QQQ (Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions)    2,500
Q    100    RRR (Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions)    2,500
R (Municipal Money)    500    SSS (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Retirement Class)    100
S (Government Money)    500    TTT (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class)    50
T    500    UUU (Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Fund)    50
U    500    VVV (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Institutional Class)    50
V    500    WWW (Senbanc Fund)    50
W    100    XXX (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class)    100
X    50    YYY (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio)    100
      ZZZ (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund)    100
      AAAA (Bear Stearns Enhanced Yield Fund)    50,000
      BBBB (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund)    100
      CCCC (Free Market International Equity Fund)    100
      DDDD (Free Market Fixed Income Fund)    100
      EEEE (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund - Investor Class)    100
Y    50    FFFF (SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Investor Class)    100
Z    50    GGGG (SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Institutional Class)    100
AA    50    HHHH (SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Class A)    100

 

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Class of Common Stock

   Number of
Authorized
Shares
(millions)
  

Class of Common Stock

   Number of
Authorized
Shares
(millions)
BB    50    IIII –(SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Class C)    100
CC    50    JJJJ (SAM Sustainable Climate Fund – Investor Class)    100
DD    100    KKKK (SAM Sustainable Climate Fund – Institutional Class)    100
EE    100    LLLL (SAM Sustainable Climate Fund – Class A)    100
FF (n/i numeric Emerging Growth)    50    MMMM (Sustainable Climate Fund – Class C)    100
GG (n/i numeric Growth)    50    NNNN (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund – Class A)    100
HH (n/i numeric Mid Cap)    50    OOOO (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund – Class I)    100
II (Baker 500 Growth Fund)    100    Select (Money)    700
JJ (Baker 500 Growth Fund)    100    Beta 2 (Municipal Money)    1
KK    100    Beta 3 (Government Money)    1
LL    100    Beta 4 (N.Y. Money)    1
MM    100    Principal Class (Money)    700
NN    100    Gamma 2 (Municipal Money)    1
OO    100    Gamma 3 (Government Money)    1
PP    100    Gamma 4 (N.Y. Money)    1
QQ (Robeco Boston Partners Institutional Large Cap)    100    Bear Stearns Money    2,500
RR (Robeco Boston Partners Investors Large Cap)    100    Bear Stearns Municipal Money    1,500
SS (Robeco Boston Partners Adviser Large Cap)    100    Bear Stearns Government Money    1,000
TT (Robeco Boston Partners Investors Mid Cap)    100    Delta 4 (N.Y. Money)    1
UU (Robeco Boston Partners Institutional Mid Cap)    100    Epsilon 1 (Money)    1
VV (Robeco Boston Partners Institutional All Cap Value)    100    Epsilon 2 (Municipal Money)    1
WW (Robeco Boston Partners Investors All Cap Value)    100    Epsilon 3 (Government Money)    1
YY (Schneider Capital Small Cap Value)    100    Epsilon 4 (N.Y. Money)    1
ZZ    100    Zeta 1 (Money)    1
AAA    100    Zeta 2 (Municipal Money)    1
      Zeta 3 (Government Money)    1
      Zeta 4 (N.Y. Money)    1
      Eta 1 (Money)    1
      Eta 2 (Municipal Money)    1
      Eta 3 (Government Money)    1
      Eta 4 (N.Y. Money)    1
      Theta 1 (Money)    1
      Theta 2 (Municipal Money)    1
      Theta 3 (Government Money)    1
      Theta 4 (N.Y. Money)    1

 

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The classes of common stock have been grouped into separate “families.” There are ten families that currently have operating portfolios, including: the Sansom Street Family, the Bedford Family, the Schneider Capital Management Family, the Robeco Investment Funds Family, the Bogle Investment Management Family, the Hilliard Lyons Family, the Bear Stearns Family, the Marvin & Palmer Associates Family, the Abundance Technologies Family and the Sustainable Asset Management Family. The Bedford Family and the Sansom Street Family represent interests in the Money Market Portfolio; the Robeco Investment Funds Family represents interests in eight non-money market portfolios; the Bogle Investment Management Family represents interests in one non-money market portfolio; the Schneider Capital Management Family represents interests in three non-money market portfolios; the Hilliard Lyons Family represents interests in one non-money market portfolio; the Bear Steams Family represents interests in three non-money market portfolios; the Marvin & Palmer Associates Family represents interests in one non-money market portfolio; the Abundance Technologies Family represents interests in three non-money market portfolios and the Sustainable Asset Management Family represents interest in two non-money market portfolios.

Each Share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other Share that represents an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, Shares of the Fund will be fully paid and non-assessable.

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board of Directors determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution plan or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and

 

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may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of common stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

Shareholder Approvals. As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of the advisory agreement or a change in the Fund’s fundamental investment limitations, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

MISCELLANEOUS

Counsel

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, 18 th and Cherry Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as counsel to the Company and independent legal counsel to the Disinterested Directors.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 1700 Market Street, 25 th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

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APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

Short-Term Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s short-term issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard & Poor’s for short-term issues:

“A-1” – Obligations are rated in the highest category and indicate that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

“A-2” – The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. Obligations are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in the higher rating categories.

“A-3” – Obligor has adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” – An obligation is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Ratings of “B1”, “B-2” and “B-3” may be assigned to indicate finer distinction within the “B” category.

“C” – Obligations are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“D” – Obligations are in payment default. This rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency


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obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign Currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

“F1” – Securities possess the highest credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

“F2” – Securities possess good credit quality. This designation indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

 

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“F3” – Securities possess fair credit quality. This designation indicates that the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non investment grade.

“B” – Securities possess speculative credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

“C” – Securities possess high default risk. Default is a real possibility. This designation indicates a capacity for meeting financial commitments which is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

“D” – Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

“NR” – This designation indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issue or issuer.

“WD” – This designation indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”) for commercial paper and short-term debt:

“R-1 (high)” Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality, and indicates an entity possessing unquestioned ability to repay current liabilities as they fall due. Entities rated in this category normally maintain strong liquidity positions, conservative debt levels, and profitability that is both stable and above average. Companies achieving an “R-1 (high)” rating are normally leaders in structurally sound industry segments with proven track records, sustainable positive future results, and no substantial qualifying negative factors. Given the extremely tough definition DBRS has established for an “R-1 (high)”, few entities are strong enough to achieve this rating.

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality and, in most cases, ratings in this category differ from “R-1 (high)” credits by only a small degree. Given the extremely tough definition DBRS has established for the “R-1 (high)” category, entities rated “R-1 (middle)” are also considered strong credits, and typically exemplify above average strength in key areas of consideration for the timely repayment of short-term liabilities.

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of satisfactory credit quality. The overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt and profitability ratios is not normally as favorable as with higher rating categories, but these considerations are still respectable. Any qualifying negative factors that exist are considered manageable, and the entity is normally of sufficient size to have some influence in its industry.

 

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“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The ability to repay obligations as they mature remains acceptable, although the overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt, and profitability ratios is not as strong as credits rated in the “R-1 (low)” category. Relative to the latter category, other shortcomings often include areas such as stability, financial flexibility, and the relative size and market position of the entity within its industry.

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. Relative to the “R-2 (high)” category, entities rated “R-2 (middle)” typically have some combination of higher volatility, weaker debt or liquidity positions, lower future cash flow capabilities, or are negatively impacted by a weaker industry. Ratings in this category would be more vulnerable to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality, typically having some combination of challenges that are not acceptable for an “R-2 (middle)” credit. However, “R-2 (low)” ratings still display a level of credit strength that allows for a higher rating than the “R-3” category, with this distinction often reflecting the issuer’s liquidity profile.

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality, one step up from being speculative. While not yet defined as speculative, the R-3 category signifies that although repayment is still expected, the certainty of repayment could be impacted by a variety of possible adverse developments, many of which would be outside the issuer’s control. Entities in this area often have limited access to capital markets and may also have limitations in securing alternative sources of liquidity, particularly during periods of weak economic conditions.

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated R-4 is speculative. R-4 credits tend to have weak liquidity and debt ratios, and the future trend of these ratios is also unclear. Due to its speculative nature, companies with R-4 ratings would normally have very limited access to alternative sources of liquidity. Earnings and cash flow would typically be very unstable, and the level of overall profitability of the entity is also likely to be low. The industry environment may be weak, and strong negative qualifying factors are also likely to be present.

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated R-5 is highly speculative. There is a reasonably high level of uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to repay the obligations on a continuing basis in the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity. In some cases, short term debt rated R-5 may have challenges that if not corrected, could lead to default.

“D” – A security rated “D” implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment or the issuer has made it clear that it will be missing such a payment in the near future. In some cases, DBRS may not assign a “D” rating under a bankruptcy announcement scenario, as allowances for grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once assigned, the “D” rating will continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears, and until such time as the rating is suspended, discontinued, or reinstated by DBRS.

 

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About Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion evaluates the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not as statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

DBRS credit ratings are opinions based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of information sourced and received by DBRS, which information is not audited or verified by DBRS. Ratings are not buy, hold or sell recommendations and they do not address the market price of a security. Ratings may be upgraded, downgraded, placed under review, confirmed and discontinued.

 

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APPENDIX B

BSAM Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

SUMMARY OF POLICY

Investment advisers are usually delegated the authority to vote proxies for shares held in a client’s account, although the client may choose instead to retain the right to vote the shares. Where Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. (“BSAM”), as a federally registered investment adviser, has the authority to vote proxies, it owes each of its client’s the duties of care and loyalty.

 

1) The duty of care requires an adviser with proxy voting authority to monitor corporate events and to vote the proxies (though an adviser is not required to vote every proxy).

 

2) The duty of loyalty requires an adviser to cast proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interests of clients and not to subrogate clients’ interests to its own.

Rule 206(4)-6 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Proxy Rule”) requires that an adviser that exercises voting authority over client securities:

 

  adopt and implement written policies and procedures for voting client proxies that are reasonably designed to ensure that BSAM votes client securities in the best interest of its clients, and describes how BSAM addresses material conflicts of interest that may arise between it and its clients;

 

  disclose to its clients how they may obtain information on how BSAM voted their proxies;

 

  describe its proxy voting procedures to its clients and provide copies on request ;

 

  maintain certain records relevant to proxy voting under Rule 204-2(c)(2).

PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE

Overview

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monitoring corporate developments and voting proxies for his/her managed accounts or funds. Employee benefit plan clients covered by ERISA may reserve the right to vote proxies only if expressly provided for in their governing instruments. To help PMs:

 

  a) Meet their proxy voting obligations,

 

  b) Reasonably ensure that proxy votes are voted in their clients’ best interest,

 

  c) Avoid possible conflicts of interest in connection with proxy voting, and

 

  d) Increase the efficiency of voting proxies,

BSAM has retained the services of RiskMetrics Group Institutional Shareholder Services Governance Services (“ISS”) to act as its voting agent for domestic and foreign shareholder votes. ISS is an independent proxy voting firm that specializes in analyzing shareholder voting matters, issuing research reports on such matters, and making objective voting recommendations intended to maximize shareholder value.

BSAM’s U.S. and international voting policies can be viewed online at the ISS Governance Analytics (“GA”) website - http://www.riskmetrics.com/issgovernance/policy/index.html. Once you have opened the website, click on “200x Policy Information” for the appropriate year (e.g., “2008 Policy Information”).

To ensure its own independence from issuers, ISS maintains and enforces a “Chinese

 

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Wall” that separates the staff and systems involved in proxy analysis operations and corporate governance consulting services. Additionally, ISS provides BSAM a representation confirming that ISS does not face a conflict of interest in respect to each issuer every time for which ISS casts a proxy vote. In the event that a conflict of interest does arise, ISS will inform BSAM of its inability to vote. ISS’s research group will provide a complete analytical summary, but will not issue a final vote recommendation. BSAM will have the responsibility to provide ISS with the specific voting recommendation.

Vote Administration

 

1) At the start of the proxy voting season (i.e., February) PMs should

 

  a) Obtain a listing of companies in his/her portfolio;

 

  b) Go to the GA website at https://ga.issproxy.com/ to

 

  i) Determine when the annual meetings for each portfolio company will take place; and

 

  ii) Review ISS vote recommendations for the portfolio stocks.

 

  ISS will generally post its recommendations in GA two weeks prior to the voting date.

 

  If necessary, the PM should perform independent research to gather additional information.

 

2) If, the PM agrees with ISS’s vote recommendations, ISS will vote the proxies reflecting its vote recommendations on behalf of BSAM’s clients without any notification required from BSAM. The proxies will be voted according to the applicable BSAM voting policy unless instructed by the PM and Proxy Committee .

Voting based on Portfolio Manager’s Election and Proxy Committee Approval

If a PM disagrees with an ISS vote recommendation he/she may elect to over-ride the ISS recommendation. It is possible, that with respect to a particular vote, a PM may wish to vote proxies in accordance with ISS’s recommendations for certain of its clients and differently for other clients.

 

1) Where a PM elects to over-ride the ISS recommendation, the PM must notify BSAM’s Proxy Committee of such election.

 

2) The Proxy Committee is responsible for determining whether the PM(s) or BSAM has a conflict of interest ( see Exhibit A) which would affect the proxies being voted.

 

  a) The Proxy Committee is comprised of BSAM’s Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”), Global Head of Institutional Business and Global Head of Hedge Fund Business (or their respective designees).

 

  i) The Chief Investment Officer serves as the Committee Chairperson.

 

  ii) Compliance and/or Legal invitees will provide advisory assistance.

 

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3) The CIO will work with the BSAM Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) (or his designee) to conduct the conflict investigation ( see Exhibit A) for the Proxy Committee and the findings will be reported to the Proxy Committee. If a conflict is found to exist, the Proxy Committee will not authorize the CIO to vote the proxies in accordance with the PM’s requested election.

 

4) If no conflict is present the CIO will execute the vote through GA.

 

5) Conflicts of interest are more fully described below under Exhibit A.

ISS Cannot Recommend a Vote

 

1) Where ISS does not cover a company or otherwise cannot recommend a vote, the PM(s) must determine how s/he will vote the proxies and notify the CIO (or his designee) of how the proxy should be voted.

 

2) The CIO will work with the CCO (or his designee) to conduct a conflict investigation ( see Exhibit A) for the Proxy Committee and the findings will be reported to the Proxy Committee. If a conflict is found to exist, the Proxy Committee will not authorize the CIO to vote the proxies in accordance with the PM’s recommendation.

 

  a) The PM will be instructed to refer the matter to his/her clients and recommend that they vote the proxies themselves.

 

  b) The referral of a voting matter to clients will be undertaken jointly by the associated PM(s) and a member of BSAM’s Legal and Compliance group in order to make certain that the voting issue and its implications for the company in question are described and conflicts of interest are fully disclosed.

 

3) If no conflict is present the CIO will execute the vote through GA.

 

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Client Election

 

Clients may instruct BSAM on proxy voting issues notwithstanding having delegated such authority to BSAM. In this instance BSAM will vote the proxy in accordance with a client’s written instructions.

 

The client’s instructions will be filed along with the client’s documentation and with Compliance.

Securities on Loan

 

When a security held in an account managed by BSAM is loaned to a third party, the borrower is responsible to vote any proxies on shareholder matters that arise during the term of the loan.

Disclosure of How to Obtain Voting Information

 

BSAM will disclose, in Part II of its Form ADV, to its clients how they can obtain information on how their securities were voted.

Description of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and How to Obtain a Copy

 

BSAM will include a summary of its Proxy-Voting Policies and Procedures in Part II of its Form ADV and tell clients how they can obtain the actual policies and procedures upon request.

SUPERVISION AND REVIEW OF COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

ISS Performance Review. Since BSAM is relying to a large extent on the corporate governance research and proxy-voting recommendations of ISS, its Proxy Committee will annually review the effectiveness of ISS’s services.

DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD KEEPING

Under Rule 204-2(c)(2), BSAM must retain the following documents for a period of at least five (5) years:

 

1) Proxy Policies and Procedures

 

  a) Copies of all policies and procedures required by the Proxy Rule;

 

2) Proxy Statements

 

  a) A copy of each proxy statement received regarding client securities (a third party, such as ISS, may retain and can be obtained from the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”));

 

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3) Voting Records

 

  a) A record of each vote cast on behalf of clients (a third party, such as ISS, may make and retain);

 

4) Decision-Making Documents

 

  a) A copy of any document created by BSAM that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies or that memorializes the basis for the decision; and

 

5) Client Requests and Responses

 

  a) A copy of each written client request for proxy voting information and a copy of any written response by BSAM to any (written or oral) client request for information on how BSAM voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.

ASSOCIATED POLICIES

 

Code of Ethics, Client Communication Policy

REGULATORY AUTHORITY

 

  a) Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940;

 

  b) Investment Advisers Act Rel. No. 2106 (Jan. 31, 2003), 68 Fed. Reg. 6593, (Feb. 7, 2003).

 

Revision Dates

  

Author

  

Comments

12/18/07

   Curtis Flippen    Revision/Clarification

9/2/04

   Marisol Perez    Amendment to ‘ Independent Proxy Research ’ section, addition of ‘Duty to Report’ section & voting recommendations chart

08/2003

  

Larry Lafer/

Steven Bornstein

   Initial policy

 

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EXHIBIT A

Conflicts of Interests

Any circumstance or relationship which would compromise a PM’s objectivity in voting proxies in the best interests of his/her clients would constitute a conflict of interest. Whether any such conflict exists for proxy-voting purposes will be determined by the Proxy Committee.

 

1) Identifying Conflicts of Interest

 

  a) The Proxy Committee will deem a conflict to exist whenever BSAM or one of its PMs has a personal or business interest in the outcome of a particular matter before shareholders. A conflict may arise where:

 

  i) BSAM has a business or financial relationship with a company whose management or shareholders are soliciting proxies. For example, BSAM or a PM has a substantial business relationship with the company or a proponent of a proxy proposal relating to the company (e.g., an employee group) such that failure to vote in favor of management (or the proponent) could harm BSAM’s relationship with the company (or proponent).

 

  ii) BSAM or one of its PMs has a business or personal relationship with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships. For example, a PM may have a relative who serves as a director or executive of the company.

 

2) Procedures to Address Material Conflicts

 

  a) Whether BSAM’s relationships with other parties create a material conflict will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. Putative conflicts of interest deemed by the Proxy Committee to be immaterial to a shareholder vote will not disable BSAM’s PMs from voting proxies where they disagree with ISS or ISS has given no voting recommendation. Additionally, the existence of an issue with respect to which BSAM is determined to have a conflict of interest will not prevent its PM from voting on other issues on the same proxy with respect to which BSAM does not have a conflict of interest.

 

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  b) In this regard, it should be noted that BSAM is a subsidiary of a world-wide, full-service investment banking and brokerage firm. As such, BSAM could be subject to a much wider array of potential conflicts of interest affecting its proxy votes on behalf of clients than if it were a stand-alone investment advisor. In order to minimize such conflicts with affiliated business units, however, BSAM has erected an information barrier to prevent, detect and deter the misuse, misappropriation or improper dissemination of confidential and proprietary information and MNPI by its employees.

 

  c) As a matter of policy, BSAM’s Proxy Committee will presume the existence of a conflict of interest for proxy-voting purposes whenever:

 

  i) A current BSAM client is affiliated with a company soliciting proxies or has communicated its view to BSAM on an impending proxy vote; or

 

  ii) The PM responsible for voting a proxy has identified a personal or business interest either in a company soliciting proxies or in the outcome of a shareholder vote; or

 

  iii) A third-party with an interest in the outcome of a shareholder vote has attempted to influence either BSAM or the PM responsible for voting a proxy; or

 

  iv) A company with respect to which proxies are being solicited is on the Bear Stearns Corporate Finance Restricted List-Watch List.

 

3) Duty to Report Conflicts

 

  a) Any BSAM employee who is aware of any actual or apparent conflict of interest relevant to, or any attempt to improperly influence, how BSAM or a Portfolio Manager votes its proxies has a duty to disclose the existence of the situation to BSAM Compliance.

 

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Conflict of Interest Investigation Questions

The CIO will work with the CCO (or his designee) to conduct a conflict investigation for the Proxy Committee and the findings will be reported to the Proxy Committee. At a minimum the following questions will be considered:

Date:

Name of Security:

 

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Name of Portfolio Manager:

 

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Is the company with respect to which proxies are being solicited on the Bear Stearns corporate finance Restricted List or Watch List?    Yes/No
Has the portfolio manager responsible for voting a proxy identified a personal or business interest either in a company soliciting proxies or in the outcome of a shareholder vote?    Yes/No
Does BSAM have a substantial business relationship with the portfolio company?    Yes/No

 

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ISS Concise Summary of 2006 U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines

Updated Jan. 12, 2006

1. Auditors

Ratifying Auditors

Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless:

 

   

An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent;

 

   

There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position; or

 

   

Fees for non-audit services are excessive.

2. Board of Directors

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on director nominees, examining, but not limited to, the following factors:

 

   

Composition of the board and key board committees;

 

   

Attendance at board and committee meetings;

 

   

Corporate governance provisions and takeover activity;

 

   

Disclosures under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

 

   

Long-term company performance relative to a market and peer index;

 

   

Extent of the director’s investment in the company;

 

   

Existence of related party transactions;

 

   

Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO;

 

   

Whether a retired CEO sits on the board;

 

   

Number of outside boards at which a director serves.

WITHHOLD from individual directors who:

 

   

Attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse (such as illness, service to the nation, work on behalf of the company);

 

   

Sit on more than six public company boards;

 

   

Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own (withhold only at their outside boards).

WITHHOLD from the entire board (except for new nominees, who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis) if:

 

   

The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature. Withhold every year until this feature is removed;

 

   

The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval since the beginning of 2005, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote and has not yet been withheld from for this issue;

 

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The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval by a majority of the shares outstanding the previous year;

 

   

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years;

 

   

The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

 

   

At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 percent withhold votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the issue(s) that caused the high withhold rate;

 

   

A Russell 3000 company underperformed its industry group (GICS group). The test will consist of the bottom performers within each industry group (GICS) based on a weighted average TSR. The weightings are as follows: 20 percent weight on 1-year TSR; 30 percent weight on 3-year TSR; and 50 percent weight on 5-year TSR. Company’s response to performance issues will be considered before withholding.

WITHHOLD from inside directors and affiliated outside directors when:

 

   

The inside or affiliated outside director serves on any of the three key committees: audit, compensation, or nominating;

 

   

The company lacks an audit, compensation, or nominating committee so that the full board functions as that committee;

 

   

The full board is less than majority independent.

WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if:

 

   

The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive;

 

   

A material weakness identified in the Section 404 disclosures rises to a level of serious concern; there are chronic internal control issues and an absence of established effective control mechanisms.

WITHHOLD from the members of the Compensation Committee if:

 

   

There is a negative correlation between chief executive pay and company performance;

 

   

The company fails to submit one-time transfers of stock options to a shareholder vote;

 

   

The company fails to fulfill the terms of a burn rate commitment they made to shareholders;

 

   

The company has poor compensation practices.

WITHHOLD from directors, individually or the entire board, for egregious actions or failure to replace management as appropriate.

Classification/Declassification of the Board

Vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board. Vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO)

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring the position of chair be filled by an independent director unless there are compelling reasons to recommend against the proposal, such as a counterbalancing governance structure. This should include all of the following:

 

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Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. (The role may alternatively reside with a presiding director, vice chairman, or rotating lead director; however the director must serve a minimum of one year in order to qualify as a lead director.);

 

   

Two-thirds independent board;

 

   

All-independent key committees;

 

   

Established governance guidelines;

 

   

The company does not under-perform its peers.

Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals

Generally vote FOR reasonably crafted shareholders proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company’s bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g., contested elections). Consider voting AGAINST the shareholder proposal if the company has adopted a formal corporate governance policy that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and provide an adequate response to both new nominees as well as incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast.

At a minimum, a company’s policy should articulate the following elements to adequately address each director nominee who fails to receive an affirmative of majority of votes cast in an election:

 

   

Established guidelines disclosed annually in the proxy statement concerning the process to follow for nominees who receive majority withhold votes;

 

   

The policy needs to outline a clear and reasonable timetable for all decision-making regarding the nominee’s status;

 

   

The policy needs to specify that the process of determining the nominee’s status will be managed by independent directors and must exclude the nominee in question;

 

   

An outline of a range of remedies (for example, acceptance of the resignation, maintaining the director but curing the underlying causes of the withheld votes, etc.);

 

   

The final decision on the nominee’s status should be promptly disclosed via an SEC filing. The policy needs to include the timeframe for disclosure and require a full explanation of how the decision was reached.

In addition, the company should articulate to shareholders why its policy is the best structure for demonstrating accountability to shareholders.

3. Proxy Contests

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors in contested elections, considering the following factors:

 

   

Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;

 

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Management’s track record;

 

   

Background to the proxy contest;

 

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates);

 

   

Strategic plan of dissident slate and quality of critique against management;

 

   

Likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved (both slates);

 

   

Stock ownership positions.

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.

4. Takeover Defenses

Poison Pills

Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder approved poison pill in place; or (2) The company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either:

 

   

Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan; or

 

   

The board, in its exercise of its fiduciary responsibilities, determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders under the circumstances to adopt a pill without the delay in adoption that would result from seeking stockholder approval (i.e. the “fiduciary out” provision). A poison pill adopted under this fiduciary out will be put to a shareholder ratification vote within twelve months of adoption or expire. If the pill is not approved by a majority of the votes cast on this issue, the plan will immediately terminate.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption. If the company has no non-shareholder approved poison pill in place and has adopted a policy with the provisions outlined above, vote AGAINST the proposal. If these conditions are not met, vote FOR the proposal, but with the caveat that a vote within twelve months would be considered sufficient.

Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan. Rights plans should contain the following attributes:

 

   

No lower than a 20 percent trigger, flip-in or flip-over;

 

   

A term of no more than three years;

 

   

No dead-hand, slow-hand, no-hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill;

 

   

Shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause); if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced, ten percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill.

 

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Supermajority Vote Requirements

Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote. Vote FOR proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements.

5. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

For mergers and acquisitions, evaluate the proposed transaction based on these factors:

 

   

Valuation - Is the value to be received by the target shareholders (or paid by the acquirer) reasonable?

 

   

Market reaction - How has the market responded to the proposed deal?

 

   

Strategic rationale - Does the deal make sense strategically? Cost and revenue synergies should not be overly aggressive or optimistic, but reasonably achievable.

 

   

Negotiations and process - Were the terms of the transaction negotiated at arm’s length? Was the process fair and equitable?

 

   

Conflicts of interest - Are insiders benefiting from the transaction disproportionately and inappropriately as compared to non-insider shareholders? As the result of potential conflicts, the directors and officers of the company may be more likely to vote to approve a merger than if they did not hold these interests.

 

   

Governance - Will the combined company have a better or worse governance profile than the parties to the transaction?

6. State of Incorporation

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation, taking into consideration both financial and corporate governance concerns, including the reasons for reincorporating, a comparison of the governance provisions, comparative economic benefits, and a comparison of the jurisdictional laws. Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes.

7. Capital Structure

Common Stock Authorization

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance using a model developed by ISS. Vote FOR proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a company’s shares are in danger of being de-listed or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain. In addition, for capital requests less than or equal to 300 percent of the current authorized shares that marginally fail the calculated allowable cap (i.e., exceed the allowable cap by no more than 5 percent), on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, vote FOR the increase based on the company’s performance and whether the company’s ongoing use of shares has shown prudence.

Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan

Vote AGAINST proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a non-shareholder approved shareholder rights plan (poison pill).

 

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Preferred Stock

Vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock). Vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.

Vote FOR proposals to create “de-clawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). Vote FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

8. Executive and Director Compensation

Equity Compensation Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Vote AGAINST the plan if:

 

   

The total cost of the company’s equity plans is unreasonable;

 

   

The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options without prior shareholder approval;

 

   

There is a disconnect between CEO pay and the company’s performance;

 

   

The company’s three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2 percent and the mean plus 1 standard deviation of its industry group; or

 

   

The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices.

Director Compensation

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on compensation plans for non-employee directors, based on the cost of the plans against the company’s allowable cap. Vote for the plan if ALL of the following qualitative factors in the board’s compensation plan are met and disclosed in the proxy statement:

 

   

Stock ownership guidelines with a minimum of three times the annual cash retainer.

 

   

Vesting schedule or mandatory holding/deferral period:

 

  - A minimum vesting of three years for stock options or restricted stock; or
  - Deferred stock payable at the end of a three-year deferral period.

 

   

A balanced mix between cash and equity. If the mix is heavier on equity, the vesting schedule or deferral period should be more stringent, with the lesser of five years or the term of directorship.

 

   

No retirement/benefits and perquisites for non-employee directors; and

 

   

A table with a detailed disclosure of the cash and equity compensation for each non-employee director for the most recent fiscal year.

Disclosure of CEO Compensation-Tally Sheet

Companies should provide better and more transparent disclosure related to CEO pay. Consider withhold votes in the future from the compensation committee and voting against equity plans if compensation disclosure is not improved and a tally sheet is not provided.

 

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Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Qualified Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on qualified employee stock purchase plans. Vote FOR plans if:

 

   

Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value;

 

   

Offering period is 27 months or less; and

 

   

The number of shares allocated to the plan is ten percent or less of the outstanding shares.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans—Non-Qualified Plans

Vote CASE-by-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans. Vote FOR plans with:

 

   

Broad-based participation (i.e., all employees with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company);

 

   

Limits on employee contribution (a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of base salary);

 

   

Company matching contribution up to 25 percent of employee’s contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value;

 

   

No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution.

Option Exchange Programs/Re-pricing Options

Vote CASE-by-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, taking into consideration historic trading patterns, rationale for the re-pricing, value-for-value exchange treatment of surrendered options, option vesting, term of the option, exercise price and participation. Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option re-pricing to a shareholder vote.

Severance Agreements for Executives/Golden Parachutes

Vote FOR shareholder proposals to require golden parachutes or executive severance agreements to be submitted for shareholder ratification, unless the proposal requires shareholder approval prior to entering into employment contracts. Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to ratify or cancel golden parachutes. An acceptable parachute should include:

 

   

A trigger beyond the control of management;

 

   

The amount should not exceed three times base amount (defined as the average annual taxable W-2 compensation during the five years prior to the year in which the change of control occurs;

 

   

Change-in-control payments should be double-triggered, i.e., (1) after a change in the company’s ownership structure has taken place, and (2) termination of the executive as a result of the change in control.

9. Corporate Responsibility

Animal Rights

Generally vote AGAINST proposals to phase out the use of animals in product testing unless:

 

   

The company is conducting animal testing programs that are unnecessary or not required by regulation;

 

   

The company is conducting animal testing when suitable alternatives are accepted and used at peer firms;

 

   

The company has been the subject of recent, significant controversy related to its testing programs.

 

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Generally vote FOR proposals seeking a report on the company’s animal welfare standards.

Drug Pricing and Re-importation

Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies implement specific price restraints on pharmaceutical products unless the company fails to adhere to legislative guidelines or industry norms in its product pricing. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting that the company evaluate their product pricing considering:

 

   

The existing level of disclosure on pricing policies;

 

   

Deviation from established industry pricing norms;

 

   

The company’s existing initiatives to provide its products to needy consumers;

 

   

Whether the proposal focuses on specific products or geographic regions.

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting that companies report on the financial and legal impact of their policies regarding prescription drug re-importation unless such information is already publicly disclosed. Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies adopt specific policies to encourage or constrain prescription drug re-importation.

Genetically Modified Foods

Vote AGAINST proposals asking companies to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products or alternatively to provide interim labeling and eventually eliminate GE ingredients due to the costs and feasibility of labeling and/or phasing out the use of GE ingredients.

Tobacco

Most tobacco-related proposals (such as on second-hand smoke, advertising to youth and spin-offs of tobacco-related business) should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Toxic Chemicals

Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that a company discloses its policies related to toxic chemicals. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on resolutions requesting that companies evaluate and disclose the potential financial and legal risks associated with utilizing certain chemicals.

Generally vote AGAINST resolutions requiring that a company reformulate its products within a certain timeframe unless such actions are required by law in specific markets.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Generally vote AGAINST request for reports outlining potential environmental damage from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) unless:

 

   

New legislation is adopted allowing development and drilling in the ANWR region;

 

   

The company intends to pursue operations in the ANWR; and

 

   

The company has not disclosed an environmental risk report for its ANWR operations.

 

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Concentrated Area Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Vote FOR resolutions requesting that companies report to shareholders on the risks and liabilities associated with CAFOs unless:

 

   

The company has publicly disclosed guidelines for its corporate and contract farming operations, including compliance monitoring; or

 

   

The company does not directly source from CAFOs.

Global Warming and Kyoto Protocol Compliance

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on greenhouse gas emissions from company operations and/or products unless this information is already publicly disclosed or such factors are not integral to the company’s line of business. Generally vote AGAINST proposals that call for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by specified amounts or within a restrictive time frame unless the company lags industry standards and has been the subject of recent, significant fines or litigation resulting from greenhouse gas emissions.

Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that companies outline their preparations to comply with standards established by Kyoto Protocol signatory markets unless:

 

   

The company does not maintain operations in Kyoto signatory markets;

 

   

The company already evaluates and substantially discloses such information; or,

 

   

Greenhouse gas emissions do not significantly impact the company’s core businesses.

Political Contributions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions considering: any recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and the public availability of a policy on political contributions. Vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions.

Link Executive Compensation to Social Performance

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to review ways of linking executive compensation to social factors, such as corporate downsizings, customer or employee satisfaction, community involvement, human rights, environmental performance, predatory lending, and executive/employee pay disparities.

Outsourcing/Offshoring

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals calling for companies to report on the risks associated with outsourcing, considering: the risks associated with certain international markets; the utility of such a report; and the existence of a publicly available code of corporate conduct that applies to international operations.

Human Rights Reports

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on requests for reports detailing the company’s operations in a particular country and on proposals to implement certain human rights standards at company facilities or those of its suppliers and to commit to outside, independent monitoring.

 

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10. Mutual Fund Proxies

Election of Directors

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors and trustees, following the same guidelines for uncontested directors for public company shareholder meetings. However, mutual fund boards do not usually have compensation committees, so do not withhold for the lack of this committee.

Converting Closed-end Fund to Open-end Fund

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on conversion proposals, considering the following factors:

 

   

Past performance as a closed-end fund;

 

   

Market in which the fund invests;

 

   

Measures taken by the board to address the discount; and

 

   

Past shareholder activism, board activity, and votes on related proposals.

Establish Director Ownership Requirement

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that mandate a specific minimum amount of stock that directors must own in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.

Reimburse Shareholder for Expenses Incurred

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When supporting the dissidents, vote FOR the reimbursement of the solicitation expenses.

Terminate the Investment Advisor

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to terminate the investment advisor, considering the following factors:

 

   

Performance of the fund’s net asset value;

 

   

The fund’s history of shareholder relations;

 

   

The performance of other funds under the advisor’s management.

2006 ISS Concise Global Proxy Voting Guidelines

Following is a concise summary of general policies for voting global proxies. In addition, ISS has country- and market-specific policies, which are not captured below.

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

 

   

there are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used; or

 

   

the company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Compensation

Vote FOR the reelection of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:

 

   

there are serious concerns about the accounts presented or the audit procedures used;

 

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the auditors are being changed without explanation; or

 

   

nonaudit-related fees are substantial or are routinely in excess of standard annual audit fees.

Vote AGAINST the appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

ABSTAIN if a company changes its auditor and fails to provide shareholders with an explanation for the change.

Appointment of Internal Statutory Auditors

Vote FOR the appointment or reelection of statutory auditors, unless:

 

   

there are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used;

 

   

questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or

 

   

the auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Allocation of Income

Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

 

   

the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30 percent without adequate explanation; or

 

   

the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative

Vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

Vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

Amendments to Articles of Association

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Change in Company Fiscal Term

Vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its AGM.

Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership

Vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below five percent unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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Transact Other Business

Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

Director Elections

Vote FOR management nominees in the election of directors, unless:

 

   

Adequate disclosure has not been met in a timely fashion;

 

   

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements;

 

   

There have been questionable transactions with conflicts of interest;

 

   

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; and

 

   

The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards.

Vote FOR individual nominees unless there are specific concerns about the individual, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities.

Vote AGAINST shareholder nominees unless they demonstrate a clear ability to contribute positively to board deliberations.

Vote AGAINST individual directors if repeated absences at board meetings have not been explained (in countries where this information is disclosed).

Vote AGAINST labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, as they are not required to be on those committees.

Director Compensation

Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.

Discharge of Board and Management

Vote FOR discharge of the board and management, unless:

 

   

there are serious questions about actions of the board or management for the year in question; or

 

   

legal action is being taken against the board by other shareholders.

Vote AGAINST proposals to remove approval of discharge of board and management from the agenda.

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

Board Structure

Vote FOR proposals to fix board size.

 

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Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 percent over currently issued capital.

Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 percent of currently issued capital.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR nonspecific proposals to increase authorized capital up to 100 percent over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding.

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

 

   

the specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet ISS guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

 

   

the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances (and less than 25 percent for companies in Japan).

Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Capital Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one share, one vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual class capital structures or the creation of new or additional supervoting shares.

Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50 percent of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets ISS’s guidelines on equity issuance requests.

 

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Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Debt Issuance Requests

Vote nonconvertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets ISS’s guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

Pledging of Assets for Debt

Vote proposals to approve the pledging of assets for debt on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Increase in Borrowing Powers

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans:

Vote FOR share repurchase plans, unless:

 

   

clear evidence of past abuse of the authority is available; or

 

   

the plan contains no safeguards against selective buybacks.

Reissuance of Shares Repurchased:

Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase In Par Value :

Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

Reorganizations/Restructurings:

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Vote FOR mergers and acquisitions, unless:

 

   

the impact on earnings or voting rights for one class of shareholders is disproportionate to the relative contributions of the group; or

 

   

the company’s structure following the acquisition or merger does not reflect good corporate governance.

Vote AGAINST if the companies do not provide sufficient information upon request to make an informed voting decision.

 

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ABSTAIN if there is insufficient information available to make an informed voting decision.

Mandatory Takeover Bid Waivers:

Vote proposals to waive mandatory takeover bid requirements on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Reincorporation Proposals:

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Expansion of Business Activities:

Vote FOR resolutions to expand business activities unless the new business takes the company into risky areas.

Related-Party Transactions:

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Compensation Plans:

Vote compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Antitakeover Mechanisms:

Vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

Shareholder Proposals:

Vote all shareholder proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote FOR proposals that would improve the company’s corporate governance or business profile at a reasonable cost.

Vote AGAINST proposals that limit the company’s business activities or capabilities or result in significant costs being incurred with little or no benefit.

 

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THE RBB FUND, INC.

PEA 125

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 23. EXHIBITS

 

(a)       Articles of Incorporation.
   (1)    Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (2)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (3)    Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (4)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (5)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 27, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (6)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (7)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (8)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (9)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (10)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (11)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.

 


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   (12)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (13)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (14)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (15)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 31, 1995.
   (16)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 1996.
   (17)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 11, 1996.
   (18)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
   (19)    Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
   (20)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
   (21)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (22)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (23)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (24)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (25)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (26)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 29, 1999.
   (27)    Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.
   (28)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.
   (29)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.
   (30)    Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.

 


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   (31)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001.
   (32)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners Bond Fund - Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund - Investor Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002.
   (33)    Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant ( Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund - Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002.
   (34)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Schneider Value Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002.
   (35)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions and Liquidity Fund for Credit Union Members ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003.
   (36)    Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004.
   (37)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 4, 2005.
   (38)    Certificate of Correction of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005.
   (39)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005.
   (40)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Senbanc Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005.
   (41)    Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Retirement Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 19, 2005.
   (42)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005.
   (43)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (44)    Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (45)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.


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   (46)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.
   (47)    Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
   (48)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
   (49)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund) incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (50)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.113 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on July 13, 2007.
   (51)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.114 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on July 17, 2007.
   (52)    Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.116 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on September 4, 2007.
   (53)    Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.123 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 17, 2007.
   (54)    Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
(b)       By-Laws.
   (1)    By-Laws, as amended are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004.
(c)       Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders.
   (1)    See Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of Registrant’s Articles of 1 Incorporation dated February 17, 1988 which are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (2)    See Articles II, III, VI, XIII, and XIV of Registrant’s By-Laws as amended through August 25, 2004, which are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004.
(d)       Investment Advisory Contracts.
   (1)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Money Market) between Registrant and Provident Institutional Management Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (2)    Sub-Advisory Agreement (Money Market) between Provident Institutional Management Corporation and Provident National Bank, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.

 


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   (3)    Assumption Agreement ( Money Market Fund ) between PNC Bank, N.A. and BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation (formerly PNC Institutional Management Corporation) dated April 29, 1998 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (4)    Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2006.
   (5)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 8, 2003.
   (6)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (7)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 8, 2003.
   (8)    Form of Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II) is filed herewith.
   (9)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 83 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 8, 2003.
   (10)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (11)    Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2006.
   (12)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (13)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 98 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 30, 2005.
   (14)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Senbanc Fund) dated August 31, 2005 between Registrant and Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005.
   (15)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (16)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.

 


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   (17)    Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund and Robeco WPG Tudor Fund ) dated April 29, 2005 between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (18)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio ) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (19)    Interim Investment Advisory and Administration Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant and BlackRock Institutional Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2006.
   (20)    Investment Advisory and Administration Agreement (Money Market Portfolio ) between Registrant and BlackRock Institutional Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (21)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund ) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (22)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (23)    Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund) between Registrant and Abundance Technologies, Inc. is filed herewith.
   (24)    Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (25)    Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (26)    Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. is filed herewith.
   (27)    Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) dated October 9, 2006, between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2006.
   (28)    Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) dated October 9, 2006, between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2006.
   (29)    Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) dated October 10, 2006, between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2006.
   (30)    Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Robeco Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund and Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund) is filed herewith.


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   (31)    Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund ) between Registrant and Abundance Technologies, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (32)    Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is filed herewith.
   (33)    Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (34)    Assumption Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Boston Partners Asset Management and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. dated January 1, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
   (35)    Assumption Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund, and Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Weiss, Peck, & Greer Investments and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. dated January 1, 2007 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
   (36)    Form of Contractual Fee Waiver ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management, Inc. is filed herewith.
(e)       Underwriting Contracts.
   (1)    Distribution Agreement between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. dated as of January 2, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001.
   (2)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (3)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (4)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (5)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (6)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2005.


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   (7)    Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2005.
   (8)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Tudor Fund - Institutional Class) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2005.
   (9)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund - Retirement Class) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No . 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (10)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (11)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (12)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (13)    Distribution Agreement Supplement (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (14)    Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (15)    Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (16)    Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (17)    Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management, Inc. is filed herewith.
(f)       Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts.
   (1)    Fund Office Retirement Profit-Sharing and Trust Agreement, dated as of October 24, 1990, as amended is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1997.
   (2)    Form of Amendment No. 1 to Fund Office Retirement Profit Sharing Plan and Trust Reflecting EGTRRA is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
(g)       Custodian Agreements.
   (1)    Custodian Agreement between Registrant and Provident National Bank dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.

 


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   (2)    Sub-Custodian Agreement among The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., the Registrant and Provident National Bank, dated as of July 13, 1992, relating to custody of Registrant’s foreign securities is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (3)    Amendment No. 1 to Custodian Agreement dated August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (4)    Custodian Contract between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (5)    Custodian Agreement Supplement between Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association dated October 16, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 27, 1996.
   (6)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PNC Bank, National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
   (7)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Bond Fund) between Registrant and PNC Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 8, 1997.
   (8)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PNC Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (9)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) between Registrant and PNC Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (10)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) between Registrant and PNC Bank, N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (11)    Form of Custodian Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Fund - formerly Long Short Equity) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
   (12)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (13)    Letter Agreement among Registrant, The Chase Manhattan Bank and PFPC Trust Company, dated as of July 2, 2001, relating to custody of Registrant’s foreign securities is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002.
   (14)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (15)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.


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   (16)    Custodian Agreement ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund, and Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund ) between Registrant and Mellon Trust of New England N.A. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (17)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (18)    Custodian Agreement among Registrant, PFPC Trust Company and Citibank, N.A., dated as of September 13, 2005, relating to custody of Registrant’s foreign securities is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2005.
   (19)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (20)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (21)    Custodian Agreement Supplement (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (22)    Form of Custodian Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (23)    Form of Custodian Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is filed is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (24)    Form of Custodian Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (25)    Amendment No. 2 to Custodian Agreement dated August 16, 1988 is filed herewith.
   (26)    Form of Custodian Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company is filed herewith.
(h)       Other Material Contracts.
   (1)    Transfer Agency Agreement (Sansom Street) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (2)    Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Sansom Street Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (3)    Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Sansom Street Government Obligations Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.


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   (4)   Shareholder Services Plan ( Sansom Street Money Market ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (5)   Transfer Agency Agreement (Bedford Money Market) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation, dated as of August 16, 1988 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (6)   Transfer Agency Agreement and Supplements (Bradford, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta and Theta) between Registrant and Provident Financial Processing Corporation dated as of November 5, 1991 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (7)   Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company and PFPC Inc. dated February 1, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 6, 1995.
   (8)   Supplement to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Inc. and PFPC dated April 10, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 6, 1995.
   (9)   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 15, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 25, 1995.
   (10)   Transfer Agreement and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 30, 1996.
   (11)   Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. dated October 16, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
   (12)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund, Institutional Class) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 27, 1996.
   (13)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 27, 1996.
   (14)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
   (15)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
   (16)   Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. dated, May 30, 1997 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.


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   (17)   Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Schneider Small Cap Value Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (18)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (19)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Institutional Class) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (20)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (21)   Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Boston Partners Micro Cap Value Fund)) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (22)   Administrative Services Agreement between Registrant and Provident Distributors, Inc. dated as of May 29, 1998 and relating to the n/i family of funds, Schneider Small Cap Value Fund and Institutional Shares of the Boston Partners Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 56 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 25, 1998.
   (23)   Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional Class) between Registrant and Provident Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (24)   Administrative and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional and Investor Classes) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (25)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Institutional and Investor Classes) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (26)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
   (27)   Form of Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity) - Institutional Shares) between Registrant and Provident Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
   (28)   Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
   (29)   Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (30)   Administrative Services Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Provident Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.


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   (31)    Non 12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth - Investor Shares ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (32)    Agreement between E*TRADE Group, Inc., Registrant and Registrant’s principal underwriter is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999.
   (33)    Fee Waiver Agreement for n/i numeric investors Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999.
   (34)    Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 1, 1999.
   (35)    Administrative Services Assignment Agreement between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. dated January 2, 2001 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001.
   (36)    Transfer Agency Supplement (Bear Stearns Money Market Family) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 4, 2001.
   (37)    Form of Transfer Agency Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (38)    Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002.
   (39)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (40)    Transfer Agency Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (41)    Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002.
   (42)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (43)    Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (44)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Boston Partners Funds - Investor Shares) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (45)    Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Customer Identification Program) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003.
   (46)    Regulatory Administration Services Agreement between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003.


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   (47)    Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund, and Robeco WPG Tudor Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (48)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (49)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (50)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (51)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (52)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (53)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (54)    Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (55)    Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (56)    Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (57)    Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Retirement Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 19, 2005.
   (58)    Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (59)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (60)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (61)    Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.


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   (62)    Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio ) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (63)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (64)    Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (65)    Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant's Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
   (66)    Escrow Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant, PFPC Trust Company, and BlackRock Institutional Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2006.
   (67)    Interim Delegation Agreement (Money Market Portfolio) between Registrant, PFPC Inc., and BlackRock Institutional Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2006.
   (68)    Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (69)    Form of Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.
   (70)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (71)    Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (72)    Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (73)    Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (74)    Form of Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.
   (75)    Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.


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   (76)   Administrative Services Agreement ( Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is filed herewith.
   (77)   Form of Administrative Services Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (78)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (79)   Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (80)   Form of Administrative Services Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (81)   Form of Administrative Services Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (82)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (83)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (84)   Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (85)   Services Agreement pursuant to Rule 22c-2 between Registrant and PFPC, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (86)   Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund) between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. is filed herewith.
   (87)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC, Inc. is filed herewith.
   (88)   Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) between Registrant and PFPC, Inc. is filed herewith.
   (89)   Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class A) is filed herewith.
   (90)   Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class I) is filed herewith.


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(i)    (1)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 17, 2007.
   (2)   Consent of Counsel is filed herewith.
(j)    (1)   None.
(k)      None.
(l)      Initial Capital Agreements.
   (1)   Subscription Agreement, relating to Classes A through N, is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (2)   Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Classes O and P is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990.
   (3)   Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Class Q is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990.
   (4)   Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Counsellors Securities Inc. relating to Classes R, S, and Alpha 1 through Theta 4 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (5)   Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes QQ, RR and SS (Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
   (6)   Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes TT and UU (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
   (7)   Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management L.P. relating to Classes VV and WW (Boston Partners Bond Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 8, 1997.
   (8)   Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company relating to Class YY (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (9)   Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes DDD and EEE (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
   (10)   Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management relating to Classes III and JJJ (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.


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   (11)   Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L. P. relating to Classes KKK and LLL (Boston Partners Fund ( formerly Long-Short Equity )) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
   (12)   Purchase Agreement (Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
   (13)   Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (14)   Purchase Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (15)   Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005.
   (16)   Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005.
   (17)   Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005.
   (18)   Purchase Agreement (Senbanc Fund) between Registrant and Hilliard Lyons Research Advisers is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
   (19)   Purchase Agreement (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
   (20)   Purchase Agreement (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund ) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (21)   Purchase Agreement (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
   (22)   Purchase Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund) between Registrant and Abundance Technologies, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (23)   Purchase Agreement (Free Market International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Abundance Technologies, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (24)   Purchase Agreement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Abundance Technologies, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No.33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (25)   Form of Purchase Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.


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   (26)   Form of Purchase Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) between Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (27)   Form of Purchase Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund) between Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management is filed herewith.
(m)      Rule 12b-1 Plan.
   (1)   Plan of Distribution (Bedford Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 1989, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (2)   Amendment No. 1 to Plans of Distribution (Classes A through Q) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 24, 1991, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (3)   Plan of Distribution (Zeta Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (4)   Plan of Distribution (Eta Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (5)   Plan of Distribution (Theta Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refilled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
   (6)   Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
   (7)   Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
   (8)   Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Bond Fund – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 8, 1997.
   (9)   Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 1998.
   (10)   Amendment to Plans of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
   (11)   Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 12, 1998.
   (12)   Plan of Distribution (Principal Money Market) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.


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   (13)   Plan of Distribution ( Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long Short Equity) - Investor Class ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
   (14)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
   (15)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Senbanc Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005.
   (16)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005.
   (17)   Agreement between Registrant, Bear Stearns Securities Corp. and PFPC Distributors, Inc. dated as of November 17, 2005 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2005.
   (18)   Plan of Distribution Agreement pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a/ Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 13, 2007.
   (19)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (SAM Sustainable Climate Fund – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (20)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (SAM Sustainable Climate Fund – Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (21)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (SAM Sustainable Climate Fund – Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (22)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (23)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (24)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (SAM Sustainable Water Fund – Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.
   (25)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class A) is filed herewith.
(n)      Rule 18f-3 Plan.
   (1)   Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is filed herewith.
(p)      Code of Ethics.
   (1)   Code of Ethics of the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 110 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2006.
   (2)   Code of Ethics of Boston Partners Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.


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   (3)   Code of Ethics of Numeric Investors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (4)   Code of Ethics of Schneider Capital Management Company is filed herewith.
   (5)   Code of Ethics of Bogle Investment Management, L.P. incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (6)   Code of Ethics of PFPC Distributors, Inc is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (7)   Code of Ethics of Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 105 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2006.
   (8)   Code of Ethics of J.J.B. Hilliard W.L. Lyons, Inc. is filed herewith.
   (9)   Code of Ethics of Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
   (10)   Code of Ethics of Marvin & Palmer Associates, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.
   (11)   Code of Ethics of Abundance Technologies, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
   (12)   Code of Ethics of Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 28, 2007.

 

Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT

None.

 

Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION

Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Article VIII of Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(3), provide as follows:

Section 1. To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any liability to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not such person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.

Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by law, resolution or agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation law.


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Section 3. No provision of this Article shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

Section 4. References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this Article are to the law as from time to time amended. No further amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation shall decrease, but may expand, any right of any person under this Article based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to such amendment. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Sections 2 and 3 of the Assumption Agreement between PNC Bank, N.A. (“PNC”) and BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation (“BIMC”), dated April 29, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3), provide for the indemnification of BIMC and PNC against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreements between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, LLC (“Boston Partners”), each dated October 25, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibits (d)(4), (d)(5), (d)(7), (d)(8), and (d)(10), provides for the indemnification of Boston Partners against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (“Bogle”), dated September 15, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(9) provides for the indemnification of Bogle against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(12), (d)(15) and (d)(16) provides for the indemnification of Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments against certain losses.

Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement between Registrant and PFPC Distributors, Inc. (“PFPC”), dated January 2, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(1) provides for the indemnification of PFPC Distributors against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors, a division of J. J. B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons (“Hilliard”) and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(13) provides for the indemnification of Hilliard against certain losses.

Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Schneider Capital Management (“Schneider”) and incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(6) and (d)(11) provides for the indemnification of Schneider against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc., (“Bear Stearns”), on behalf of the Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio , and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(18) provides for the indemnification of Bear Stearns against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc., (“Bear Stearns”), on behalf of the Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund, and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(21) provides for the indemnification of Bear Stearns against certain losses.


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Section 12 of the Form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Marvin & Palmer Associates, Inc., (“Marvin & Palmer Associates”) and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(22) provides for the indemnification of Marvin & Palmer Associates against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Abundance Technologies, Inc., (“Abundance”) and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(23) provides for the indemnification of Abundance against certain losses.

Section 13 of each of the Form of Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Sustainable Asset Management USA., (“SAM”) and incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(24) and (d)(25) provides for the indemnification of SAM against certain losses.

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc., (“Bear Stearns”), on behalf of the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund , and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(26) provides for the indemnification of Bear Stearns against certain losses.

 

Item 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS.

 

1.   

BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation:

 

BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation (“BIMC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”). Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. has a 49.80% economic interest and a 45% voting interest in BlackRock and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. has approximately a 34% economic and voting interest in BlackRock. BIMC’s principal business address is 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809. BIMC is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser for registered investment companies. Information as to the directors and officers of BIMC is as follows:

    

Name and Position with BIMC

  

Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

   Paul L. Audet
Managing Director and Director
  

BlackRock Provident Institutional Funds

Wilmington, DE

   Treasurer
     

BlackRock Funds

Wilmington, DE

   Treasurer
     

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Director
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Director


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BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   Director
     

BlackRock (Japan), Inc.

New York, NY

   Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director
     

BlackRock International, Ltd.

Edinburgh, Scotland

   Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director
   Steven E. Buller
Chief Financial Officer and
Managing Director
  

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director
  

Laurence J. Carolan

Managing Director and Director

  

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director & Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director & Director
  

Robert P. Connolly

Managing Director, General Counsel and Secretary

  

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary
     

BlackRock International, Ltd.

Edinburgh, Scotland

   Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary
     

BlackRock (Japan), Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary
     

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary
     

BlackRock Investments, Inc.

New York, NY

   General Counsel & Secretary


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Laurence D. Fink

Chief Executive Officer

  

BlackRock Funds

Wilmington, DE

   President & Trustee
     

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Chief Executive Officer
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Chairman & CEO
     

BlackRock International, Ltd.

Edinburgh, Scotland

   Chairman & CEO
     

BlackRock (Japan), Inc.

New York, NY

   Chairman & CEO
     

BlackRock Investments, Inc.

New York, NY

   Chairman & CEO
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Chief Executive Officer
     

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   Chairman & CEO
     

BlackRock HPB Management LLC

New York, NY

   Director
  

Charles S. Hallac

Vice Chairman

  

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Vice Chairman, BlackRock Solutions.
  

Robert S. Kapito

Vice Chairman and Director

  

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Vice Chairman & Director
     

BlackRock International, Ltd.

Edinburgh, Scotland

   Vice Chairman & Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Vice Chairman
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Vice Chairman & Director
     

BlackRock (Japan), Inc.

New York, NY

   Vice Chairman & Director

 


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BlackRock Investments, Inc.

New York, NY

   Director
     

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   Vice Chairman & Director
  

Kevin M. Klingert

Managing Director and Director

  

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director & Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director & Director
     

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
  

John P. Moran

Managing Director, Treasurer and Director

  

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director & Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director & Director
     

BlackRock Investments, Inc.

New York, NY

   President
  

Barbara G. Novick

Vice Chairman

  

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Vice Chairman, Account Management Group, BlackRock, Inc.
  

Ralph L. Schlosstein

President and Director

  

BlackRock Provident Institutional Funds

Wilmington, DE

   Chairman & President
     

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   President & Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   President & Director
     

BlackRock International, Ltd.

Edinburgh, Scotland

   President & Director


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BlackRock (Japan), Inc.

New York, NY

   President & Director
     

BlackRock Investments, Inc.

New York, NY

   Director
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   President & Director
     

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   President & Director
     

BlackRock HPB Management LLC

New York, NY

   Director
  

Keith T. Anderson

Vice Chairman

  

BlackRock Capital Management, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock Advisors, Inc.

Wilmington, DE

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock International, Ltd.

Edinburgh, Scotland

   Managing Director
     

BlackRock (Japan), Inc.

New York, NY

   Managing Director
  

Mark G. Steinberg

Managing Director and Director

   None.    None
  

Susan L. Wagner

Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer

  

BlackRock, Inc.

New York, NY

   Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer
2.   

Bogle Investment Management, LP:

 

The sole business activity of Bogle Investment Management, LP (“Bogle”), 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462, is to serve as an investment adviser. Bogle is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

The directors and officers have not held any positions with other companies during the last two fiscal years.


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3.   

Schneider Capital Management Company:

 

The sole business activity of Schneider Capital Management Company (“Schneider”), 460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 1080, Wayne, PA 19087, is to serve as an investment adviser. Schneider is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

Information as to the directors and officers of Schneider is as follows:

    

Name and Position with Schneider

  

Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

  

Arnold C. Schneider, III

President and Chief Investment Officer

   Turnbridge Management Partners Corp.    President
  

Steven J. Fellin

Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   Turnbridge Management Partners Corp.    Vice President
4.   

Robeco Investment Management , Inc.

 

The sole business activity of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. LLC (“RIM”), 909 Third Avenue, New York 10022, is to serve as an investment adviser. RIM provides investment advisory services to the Robeco Boston Partners Funds and the Robeco Weiss, Peck, & Greer Funds.

 

RIM is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser to domestic and foreign institutional investors, investment companies, commingled trust funds, private investment partnerships and collective investment vehicles. Information as to the directors and officers of Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is as follows:

    

Name and Position with RIM

  

Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

  

William J. Kelly

Chief Executive Officer

   None    None
  

Mary Ann Iudice

Chief Compliance Officer

   None    None
  

Roland Toppen

Senior Managing Director,
Chief Financial Officer

   None    None
  

William George Butterly

Senior Managing Director,
General Counsel

   None    None
  

James Ramsey

Senior Managing Director,
Fixed Income

   PIMCO    Senior Vice President
  

Joseph F. Feeney

Senior Managing Director, Equity

   None    None


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Paul Heathwood

Senior Managing Director,
Sales and Marketing

   None    None
  

Davis Barr Clayson

Senior Managing Director,
Client Services

   None    None
  

George Moeller

Director

   None    None
  

Franciscus L. Kusse

Director

   None    None
  

Cornelis Korthout

Director

   None    None
5.   

Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors:

 

Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors is located at 500 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202. Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors is a division of J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. (“Hilliard”). Hilliard is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is also a registered broker-dealer. Hilliard is wholly-owned by The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

Information as to the directors and executive officers of Hilliard is as follows:

    

Name and Position with Hilliard

  

Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

  

James M. Rogers

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

   None    None
  

James R. Allen

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

   None    None
  

Paul J. Moretti

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   None    None
  

William S. Demchak

Director

   PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.    Vice Chairman
      Blue Mountain Credit Alternatives, Ltd    Director
      Maximus American Marine, LLC    Owner

 


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Joseph C. Guyaux

Director

  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc.

 

Private Export Funding Corp.

 

Highmark, Inc.

  

President

 

Director

 

Director

 

Director

  

Joan L. Gulley

Director

   PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.    Executive Vice President
  

John R. Bugh

Executive Vice President

   None    None
  

Carmella Miller

Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Director

   None    None
6.   

Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc.

 

Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. (“BSAM”) serves as the investment adviser to the Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio, the Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund, and the Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund. BSAM is located at 237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. BSAM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. BSAM’s Form ADV is available on the SEC’s website.

 

Information as to the directors and officers of BSAM is as follows:

    

Name and Position with BSAM

  

Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

   Jeffrey B. Lane    Long Island Jewish Medical Center    Director


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7.   

Abundance Technologies, Inc.:

 

The sole business activity of Abundance Technologies, Inc., 3700 Park 42 Drive, Suite 105A

Cincinnati, OH 45241, is to serve as an investment adviser. Abundance Technologies is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

Below is a list of each executive officer and director of Abundance Technologies indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.

    

Name and Position with
Abundance Technologies

  

Name of Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

  

Mark E Matson

President/CEO

   Abundance Horizons LLC    50% owner
  

Michelle Matson

Vice President/ Secretary

   None   
  

A. Lawain McNeil

Vice President

   None   
8.   

Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc.

 

The sole business activity of Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. (“SAM US”), 909 Third Avenue, New York 10022, is to serve as an investment adviser.

 

SAM US is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser to domestic and foreign institutional investors, investment companies, commingled trust funds, private investment partnerships and collective investment vehicles. Information as to the directors and officers of SAM US is as follows:

    

Name and Position with SAM US

  

Name of Other Company

  

Position With Other Company

  

Hugo Steensma

Managing Director & Director

   SAM Group Holding AG    Representative USA
  

Reto Ringger

Director & Chairman

   SAM Group Holding AG    Director & Chief Executive Officer
  

Marc Paul Joye

Director, Treasurer

   SAM Group Holding AG    Chief Financial Officer
  

Jacques Engeli

Chief Compliance Officer

   Julius Bear Investment Funds Services    Director
  

Christian Werner

Chief Investment Officer

   SAM Group Holding AG    Chief Investment Officer
  

William George Butterly

General Counsel

   Robeco Investment Management, Inc.    Senior Managing Director, General Counsel
      Robeco Investment Management (UK) Limited    Chief Legal Officer
      Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.    Chief Legal Officer


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ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

 

(a) PFPC Distributors, Inc. (“the Distributor”) is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. As of January 15, 2008, the Distributor acted as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:

AFBA 5 Star Funds, Inc.

Aston Funds

Atlantic Whitehall Funds Trust

BHR Institutional Funds

CRM Mutual Fund Trust

E.I.I. International Property Fund

E.I.I. Realty Securities

FundVantage Trust

GuideStone Funds

Highland Floating Rate Fund

Highland Floating Rate Advantage Fund

Highland Funds I

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust

Matthews Asian Funds

Metropolitan West Funds

New Alternatives Fund

PAX World Funds Series Trust I

The RBB Fund, Inc.

Stratton Multi-Cap Fund

Stratton Monthly Dividend REIT Shares, Inc.

The Stratton Funds, Inc.

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Fund

The Torray Fund

Van Wagoner Funds

Wilshire Mutual Funds, Inc.

Wilshire Variable Insurance Trust

Distributed by BB&T AM Distributors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFPC Distributors, Inc.:

BB&T Funds

Distributed by BlackRock Distributors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFPC Distributors, Inc.:

BlackRock Funds

BlackRock Bond Allocation Target Shares

BlackRock Liquidity Funds

International Dollar Reserve Fund I, Ltd.

BlackRock Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Senior Floating Rate Fund II, Inc.

BlackRock Balanced Capital Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Basic Value Fund II, Inc.

BlackRock Basic Value Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Basic Value Principal Protected Fund

BlackRock Bond Fund, Inc.

BlackRock California Municipal Series Trust

BlackRock Core Principal Protected Fund

BlackRock Developing Capital Markets Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund

BlackRock EuroFund


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BlackRock Focus Twenty Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Focus Value Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Fundamental Growth Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Fundamental Growth Principal Protected Fund

BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Global Dynamic Equity Fund

BlackRock Global Financial Services Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Global Growth Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Global SmallCap Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Global Technology Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Global Value Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Healthcare Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Index Funds, Inc.

BlackRock International Value Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Series Funds, Inc.

BlackRock Latin America Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Mid Cap Value Opportunities Series, Inc.

BlackRock Multi-State Municipal Series Trust

BlackRock Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Municipal Series Trust

BlackRock Natural Resources Trust

BlackRock Pacific Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Real Investment Fund

BlackRock Series Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Series, Inc.

BlackRock Short Term Bond Series, Inc.

BlackRock Short-Term U.S. Government Fund, Inc.

BlackRock U.S. Government Fund

BlackRock U.S. High Yield Trust

BlackRock Utilities and Telecommunications Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Value Opportunities Fund, Inc.

BlackRock Variable Series Funds, Inc.

BlackRock World Income Fund, Inc.

FDP Series, Inc.

Financial Institutions Series Trust

Inflation Protected Fund

Managed Account Series

Master Institutional Money Market Trust

Merrill Lynch Funds for Institutions Series

Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust

Merrill Lynch Retirement Series Trust

Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund

Merrill Lynch USA Government Reserves Fund

The GNMA Investment Accumulation Program, Inc.

Distributed by MGI Funds Distributors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFPC Distributors, Inc.:

MGI Funds

Distributed by Northern Funds Distributors, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFPC Distributors, Inc.:

Northern Funds Trust

Northern Institutional Funds Trust


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(b) The Distributor is a Massachusetts corporation located at 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PFPC Inc. and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., a publicly traded company.

The following is a list of the directors and executive officers of the Distributor:

 

Name

  

Position(s) with Distributor

Steven Turowski    Director
T. Thomas Deck    Director; President; Chief Executive Officer
Michael DeNofrio    Director
Nicholas M. Marsini, Jr.    Director
Rita G. Adler    Chief Compliance Officer
John Munera    Anti-Money Laundering Officer
Jodi L. Jamison    Chief Legal Officer
Julie Bartos    Assistant Secretary; Assistant Clerk
Charlene Wilson    Treasurer; Chief Financial Officer; Financial & Operations Principal
Maria C. Schaffer    Assistant Treasurer; Controller
Bruno DiStefano    Vice President
Susan K. Moscaritolo    Vice President; Secretary; Clerk
Ronald Berge    Assistant Vice President
Dianna A. Stone    Assistant Secretary; Assistant Clerk

 

(c) Not Applicable.

 

Item 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

 

(1) PFPC Trust Company (assignee under custodian agreement), 8800 Tinicum Boulevard, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19153 (records relating to its functions as sub-adviser and custodian).

 

(2) PFPC Distributors, Inc., 760 Moore Road, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19406. (records relating to its functions as principal underwriter).

 

(3) BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation, Bellevue Corporate Center, 100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its functions as investment adviser, sub-adviser and administrator).

 

(4) PFPC Inc., Bellevue Corporate Center, 103 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (records relating to its functions as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent).

 

(5) Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, 18th and Cherry Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Minute Books).

 

(6) Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (formerly Boston Partners Asset Management, L.L.C.), 28 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(7) Schneider Capital Management Co., 460 East Swedesford Road, Suite 1080, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(8) Bogle Investment Management, L.P., 57 River Street, Suite 206, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(9) Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (formerly Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments), 909 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(10) Hilliard Lyons Research Advisors, a division of J. J. B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons, Inc., 500 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(11) Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., 237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(12) Marvin & Palmer Associates, Inc., 1201 N. Market Street, Suite 2300, Wilmington, Delaware 19801-1165 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

(13) Abundance Technologies, Inc., 3700 Park 42 Drive, Suite 105A, Cincinnati, OH 45241 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).


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(14) Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc., 909 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).

 

Item 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES

None.

 

Item 30. UNDERTAKINGS

 

(a) Registrant hereby undertakes to hold a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of considering the removal of directors in the event the requisite number of shareholders so request.

 

(b) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of Registrant’s latest annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485 (b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, and State of Delaware on the 27 th day of February, 2008.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.
By:   /s/ Edward J. Roach
  Edward J. Roach
  President and Treasurer

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment to Registrant’s Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

SIGNATURE

  

TITLE

 

DATE

/s/ Edward J. Roach

Edward J. Roach

   President (Principal Executive Officer) and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   February 27, 2008

*J. Richard Carnall

J. Richard Carnall

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Francis J. McKay

Francis J. McKay

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Marvin E. Sternberg

Marvin E. Sternberg

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Julian A. Brodsky

Julian A. Brodsky

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Arnold M. Reichman

Arnold M. Reichman

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Robert Sablowsky

Robert Sablowsky

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Robert Straniere

Robert Straniere

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Nicholas A. Giordano

Nicholas A. Giordano

   Director   February 27, 2008

*Mark A. Sargent

Mark A. Sargent

   Director   February 27, 2008
*By:  

/s/ Edward J. Roach

     February 27, 2008
 

Edward J. Roach

Attorney-in-Fact

    


Table of Contents

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Francis J. McKay, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   November 9, 2000
  /s/ Francis J. McKay
  Francis J. McKay


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Marvin E. Sternberg, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   November 9, 2000
  /s/ Marvin E. Sternberg
  Marvin E. Sternberg


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Julian Brodsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   November 9, 2000
  /s/ Julian Brodsky
  Julian Brodsky


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Arnold Reichman, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   November 9, 2000
  /s/ Arnold Reichman
  Arnold Reichman


Table of Contents

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Sablowsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   November 9, 2000
  /s/ Robert Sablowsky
  Robert Sablowsky


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, J. Richard Carnall, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   September 10, 2002
  /s/ J. Richard Carnall
  J. Richard Carnall


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Straniere, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   June 8, 2006
  /s/ Robert Straniere
  Robert Straniere


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Mark A. Sargent, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   September 21, 2006
  /s/ Mark A. Sargent
  Mark A. Sargent


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THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Nicholas A. Giordano, hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Roach and Michael P. Malloy, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED:   September 21, 2006
  /s/ Nicholas A. Giordano
  Nicholas A. Giordano


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PEA 125

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT

 

DESCRIPTION

(d)(8)   Form of Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II)
(d)(23)   Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund)
(d)(26)   Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund)
(d)(30)   Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Robeco Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund and Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund)
(d)(32)   Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund )
(d)(36)   Form of Contractual Fee Waiver ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund )
(e)(17)   Form of Distribution Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund )
(g)(25)   Amendment No. 2 to Custodian Agreement dated August 16, 1988.
(g)(26)   Form of Custodian Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund )
(h)(76)   Administrative Services Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed-Income Fund )
(h)(86)   Form of Administration and Accounting Services Agreement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund)
(h)(87)   Form of Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund )
(h)(88)   Form of Amended Schedule A to Regulatory Administration Services Agreement ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund )
(h)(89)   Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class A)
(h)(90)   Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class I)
(i)(2)   Consent of Counsel
(l)(27)   Form of Purchase Agreement (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund)
(m)(25)   Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund – Class A)
(n)(1)   Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan
(p)(4)   Code of Ethics of Schneider Capital Management Company
(p)(8)   Code of Ethics of J.J.B. Hilliard W.L. Lyons, Inc.

Exhibit (d)(8)

AMENDMENT TO

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II

This Amendment is an amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 29, 2003 (as from time to time amended or supplemented, the “Agreement”), between THE RBB FUND, INC. (herein called the “Fund”), a Maryland corporation, on behalf of the Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund (herein called the “Portfolio”), and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. (herein called the “Investment Adviser”). The date of this Amendment is as of                      , 2008.

BACKGROUND

A. The Fund and the Investment Adviser wish to amend the Agreement as set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the Fund and the Investment Adviser hereby agree as follows:

1. For clarity, all references in the Agreement to “Boston Partners Asset Management, L.L.C. shall be deemed to be references to “Robeco Investment Management, Inc.” and all references to “Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II” shall be deemed to be references to “Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II”.

2. Paragraph 11 of the Agreement is hereby amended and replaced with the following:

SECTION 11. COMPENSATION. (a) For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Portfolio, the Fund will pay the Investment Adviser from the assets of the Portfolio and the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefore a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. (b) The fee attributable to the Portfolio shall be satisfied only against assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund.

3. Except as specifically modified by this Amendment all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.
By:    
Name:   Edward J. Roach
Title:   President and Treasurer
ROBECO INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
by:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

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Exhibit (d)(23)

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made as of December 31, 2007, between THE RBB COMPANY, INC., a Maryland corporation (herein called the “Company”), and ABUNDANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (herein called the “Investment Adviser”).

WHEREAS, the Company is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and currently offers or proposes to offer shares representing interests in separate investment portfolios;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to retain the Investment Adviser to render certain investment advisory services to the Company with respect to the Company’s Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, and Free market Fixed Income Fund (the “Funds”), and the Investment Adviser is willing to so render such services; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company have approved this Agreement, and the Adviser is willing to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT. The Company hereby appoints the Investment Adviser to act as investment adviser for the Funds for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.

SECTION 2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Company has furnished the Investment Adviser with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:

(a) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company authorizing the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the execution and delivery of this Agreement;

(b) Each prospectus and statement of additional information relating to any class of Shares representing interests in the Funds of the Company in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (such prospectus and statement of additional information, as presently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended and supplemented, are herein collectively called the “Prospectus” and “Statement of Additional Information,” respectively).

The Company will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser from time to time with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.


In addition to the foregoing, the Company will also provide the Investment Adviser with copies of the Company’s Charter and By-laws, and any registration statement or service contracts related to the Funds, and will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser with any amendments of or supplements to such documents.

SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Investment Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Funds including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Funds, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the Funds, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Company for the Funds, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Funds. The Investment Adviser will provide the services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, restrictions and policies as stated in the applicable Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, provided that the Investment Adviser has actual notice or knowledge of any changes by the Board of Directors to such investment objectives, restrictions or policies. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will render to the Company’s Board of Directors such periodic and special reports regarding the performance of its duties under this Agreement as the Board may reasonably request. The Investment Adviser agrees to provide to the Company (or its agents and service providers) prompt and accurate data with respect to the Funds’ transactions and, where not otherwise available, the daily valuation of securities in the Funds.

SECTION 4. BROKERAGE. Subject to the Investment Adviser’s obligation to obtain best price and execution, the Investment Adviser shall have full discretion to select brokers or dealers to effect the purchase and sale of securities. When the Investment Adviser places orders for the purchase or sale of securities for the Funds, in selecting brokers or dealers to execute such orders, the Investment Adviser is expressly authorized to consider the fact that a broker or dealer has furnished statistical, research or other information or services for the benefit of the Funds directly or indirectly. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser is authorized to cause the Funds to pay brokerage commissions which may be in excess of the lowest rates available to brokers who execute transactions for the Funds or who otherwise provide brokerage and research services utilized by the Investment Adviser, provided that the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of each such commission paid to a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker viewed in terms of either the particular transaction to which the commission relates or the Investment Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to accounts as to which the Investment Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Investment Adviser may aggregate securities orders so long as the Investment Adviser adheres to a policy of allocating investment opportunities to the Funds over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to other clients. In no instance will the Funds’ securities be purchased from or sold to the Company’s principal underwriter, the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, except to the extent permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

The Investment Adviser shall report to the Board of Directors of the Company at least quarterly with respect to brokerage transactions that were entered into by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, and shall certify to the Board that the commissions

 

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paid were reasonable in terms either of that transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Investment Adviser to the Company and the Investment Adviser’s other clients, that the total commissions paid by the Company were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Company over the long term, and that such commissions were paid in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

SECTION 5. CONFORMITY WITH LAW; CONFIDENTIALITY. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of all federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Investment Adviser will treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Company all records and other information relating to the Company and will not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Company. Where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply with a request for records or other information relating to the Company, the Investment Adviser may comply with such request prior to obtaining the Company’s written approval, provided that the Investment Adviser has taken reasonable steps to promptly notify the Company, in writing, upon receipt of the request.

SECTION 6. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The Investment Adviser and its officers may act and continue to act as investment managers for others, and nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be deemed to restrict the right of the Investment Adviser to perform investment management or other services for any other person or entity, and the performance of such services for others shall not be deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation to the Funds or the Company.

Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Investment Adviser or any of its partners, officers, affiliates or employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or their own account. The Company acknowledges that the Investment Adviser and its partners, officers, affiliates, employees and other clients may, at any time, have, acquire, increase, decrease, or dispose of positions in investments which are at the same time being acquired or disposed of for the Funds. The Investment Adviser shall have no obligation to acquire for the Funds a position in any investment which the Investment Adviser, its partners, officers, affiliates or employees may acquire for its or their own accounts or for the account of another client, so long as it continues to be the policy and practice of the Investment Adviser not to favor or disfavor consistently or consciously any client or class of clients in the allocation of investment opportunities so that, to the extent practical, such opportunities will be allocated among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis.

The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Company of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser to comply with Sections 17(d) and 17(j) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, nor constitute a waiver by the Company of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser under Section 206 of the

 

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Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder. Further, the Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Company of the fiduciary obligation of the Investment Adviser arising under federal or state law, including Section 36 of the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 shall be interpreted consistent with the provisions of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.

SECTION 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 3la-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Funds are the property of the Company and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Company any of such records upon the Company’s request. The Investment Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 3la-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 3la-1 under the 1940 Act.

SECTION 8. EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement. The Funds shall bear all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a Fund of the Company shall be allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors in such manner as the Board determines to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Funds shall include, but are not limited to, the following (or the Funds’ share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Funds and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Funds by the Investment Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Funds’ shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Funds for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing, prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company are allocated to such class.

 

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SECTION 9. VOTING. The Investment Adviser shall have the authority to vote as agent for the Company, either in person or by proxy, tender and take all actions incident to the ownership of all securities in which the Funds’ assets may be invested from time to time, subject to such policies and procedures as the Board of Directors of the Company may adopt from time to time.

SECTION 10. RESERVATION OF NAME. The Investment Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Funds’ name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Funds. The Investment Adviser may use the Funds’ name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual Company or business activity without the consent of any shareholder and the Company shall execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate the consent of the Company to such use. The Company hereby agrees that in the event that neither the Investment Adviser nor any of its affiliates act as investment adviser to the Funds, the name of the Funds will be changed to one that does not contain the names “Bear Stearns” or the initials “BS” or otherwise suggest an affiliation with the Investment Adviser.

SECTION 11. COMPENSATION. (a) For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Funds, the Company will pay the Investment Adviser from the assets of the Funds and the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefor a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of .50% of the Funds’ average daily net assets. For any period less than a full month during which this Agreement is in effect, the fee shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to a full month. (b) The fee attributable to the Funds shall be satisfied only against assets of the Funds and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Company. The Investment Adviser may from time to time agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in advance of the time such fee or portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or undertake to pay or reimburse the Funds for all or a portion of its expenses not otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.

SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (“disabling conduct”). The Funds will indemnify the Investment Adviser against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit not resulting from disabling conduct by the Investment Adviser. Indemnification shall be made only following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of directors of the Company who are neither “interested persons” of the Company nor parties to the proceeding (“disinterested non-party directors”) or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Investment Adviser shall be entitled to advances from the Funds for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by

 

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it in connection with the matter as to which it is seeking indemnification in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Investment Adviser shall provide to the Funds a written affirmation of its good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Funds has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one of the following additional conditions shall be met: (a) the Investment Adviser shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Funds for its undertaking; (b) the Funds is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of facts readily available to the Funds at the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the Investment Adviser will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification. Any amounts payable by the Funds under this Section shall be satisfied only against the assets of the Funds and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Company.

The limitations on liability and indemnification provisions of this Section 12 shall not be applicable to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising from the Investment Adviser’s rights to the Funds’ name. The Investment Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Funds for any claims arising from the use of the term “Bear Stearns” or “BS” in the name of the Funds.

SECTION 13. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Funds as of the date first above written and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, shall continue with respect to the Funds until August 16, 2007. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue with respect to the Funds for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of the Board of Directors of the Company who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by the Board of Directors of the Company or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds; provided , however , that this Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Funds by the Company at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Company or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, on 60 days’ prior written notice to the Investment Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice to the Company. This Agreement will immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person” and “assignment” shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act).

SECTION 14. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated orally, except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought, and no amendment of this Agreement affecting the Funds shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds.

SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or

 

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otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and shall be governed by Delaware law.

SECTION 16. NOTICE. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and delivered by hand, national overnight courier, facsimile (provided written confirmation of receipt is obtained and said notice is sent via first class mail on the next business day) or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, as follows:

If to the Investment Adviser:

Abundance Technologies, Inc.

[address]

[facsimile number]

If to the Company:

The RBB Company, Inc.

301 Bellevue Parkway, 4 th Floor

Wilmington, DE 19809

Attn: Edward J. Roach

Fax: 302-791-4830

The effective date of any notice shall be (i) the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by hand or facsimile, (ii) one business day after the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by national overnight courier; or (iii) the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the date of mailing thereof.

SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

THE RBB COMPANY, INC.
By:   /s/ Edward J. Roach
Name:   Edward J. Roach
Title:   President and Treasurer
ABUNDANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
By:   /s/ Daniel J. List
Name:   Daniel J. List
Title:   Director of Portfolio Management

 

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Exhibit (d)(26)

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made as of                      , 2008, between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (herein called the “Fund”), and BEAR STEARNS ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. (herein called the “Investment Adviser”).

WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and currently offers or proposes to offer shares representing interests in separate investment portfolios;

WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Investment Adviser to render certain investment advisory services to the Fund with respect to the Fund’s Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Portfolio”), and the Investment Adviser is willing to so render such services; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Fund has approved this Agreement, and the Adviser is willing to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT. The Fund hereby appoints the Investment Adviser to act as investment adviser for the Portfolio for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.

SECTION 2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Fund has furnished the Investment Adviser with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:

(a) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund authorizing the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the execution and delivery of this Agreement;

(b) Each prospectus and statement of additional information relating to any class of shares representing interests in the Portfolio in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (such prospectus and statement of additional information, as presently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended and supplemented, are herein collectively called the “Prospectus” and “Statement of Additional Information,” respectively).

The Fund will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser from time to time with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.


In addition to the foregoing, the Fund will also provide the Investment Adviser with copies of the Fund’s Charter and By-laws, and any registration statement or service contracts related to the Portfolio, and will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser with any amendments of or supplements to such documents.

SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund, the Investment Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Portfolio including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Portfolio, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the Portfolio, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold for the Portfolio, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser will provide the services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, restrictions and policies as stated in the applicable Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, provided that the Investment Adviser has actual notice or knowledge of any changes by the Board of Directors to such investment objectives, restrictions or policies. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will render to the Fund’s Board of Directors such periodic and special reports regarding the performance of its duties under this Agreement as the Board may reasonably request. The Investment Adviser agrees to provide to the Fund (or its agents and service providers) prompt and accurate data with respect to the Portfolio’s transactions and, where not otherwise available, the daily valuation of securities in the Portfolio.

SECTION 4. BROKERAGE. Subject to the Investment Adviser’s obligation to obtain best price and execution, the Investment Adviser shall have full discretion to select brokers or dealers to effect the purchase and sale of securities. When the Investment Adviser places orders for the purchase or sale of securities for the Portfolio, in selecting brokers or dealers to execute such orders, the Investment Adviser is expressly authorized to consider the fact that a broker or dealer has furnished statistical, research or other information or services for the benefit of the Portfolio directly or indirectly. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser is authorized to cause the Portfolio to pay brokerage commissions which may be in excess of the lowest rates available to brokers who execute transactions for the Portfolio or who otherwise provide brokerage and research services utilized by the Investment Adviser, provided that the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of each such commission paid to a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker viewed in terms of either the particular transaction to which the commission relates or the Investment Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to accounts as to which the Investment Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Investment Adviser may aggregate securities orders so long as the Investment Adviser adheres to a policy of allocating investment opportunities to the Portfolio over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to other clients. In no instance will the Portfolio’s securities be purchased from or sold to the Fund’s principal underwriter, the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, except to the extent permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

 

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The Investment Adviser shall report to the Board of Directors of the Fund at least quarterly with respect to brokerage transactions that were entered into by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, and shall certify to the Board that the commissions paid were reasonable in terms either of that transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Investment Adviser to the Fund and the Investment Adviser’s other clients, that the total commissions paid by the Fund were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long term, and that such commissions were paid in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

SECTION 5. CONFORMITY WITH LAW; CONFIDENTIALITY. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of all federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Investment Adviser will treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund all records and other information relating to the Fund and will not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Fund. Where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply with a request for records or other information relating to the Fund, the Investment Adviser may comply with such request prior to obtaining the Fund’s written approval, provided that the Investment Adviser has taken reasonable steps to promptly notify the Fund, in writing, upon receipt of the request.

SECTION 6. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The Investment Adviser and its officers may act and continue to act as investment managers for others, and nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be deemed to restrict the right of the Investment Adviser to perform investment management or other services for any other person or entity, and the performance of such services for others shall not be deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation to the Portfolio or the Fund.

Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Investment Adviser or any of its partners, officers, affiliates or employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or their own account. The Fund acknowledges that the Investment Adviser and its directors, officers, affiliates, employees and other clients may, at any time, have, acquire, increase, decrease, or dispose of positions in investments which are at the same time being acquired or disposed of for the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser shall have no obligation to acquire for the Portfolio a position in any investment which the Investment Adviser, its directors, officers, affiliates or employees may acquire for its or their own accounts or for the account of another client, so long as it continues to be the policy and practice of the Investment Adviser not to favor or disfavor consistently or consciously any client or class of clients in the allocation of investment opportunities so that, to the extent practical, such opportunities will be allocated among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis.

The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Fund of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser to comply with Sections 17(d)

 

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and 17(j) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, nor constitute a waiver by the Fund of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser under Section 206 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder. Further, the Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Fund of the fiduciary obligation of the Investment Adviser arising under federal or state law, including Section 36 of the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 shall be interpreted consistent with the provisions of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.

SECTION 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 3la-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Portfolio are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund’s request. The Investment Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 3la-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 3la-1 under the 1940 Act.

SECTION 8. EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement. The Portfolio shall bear all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser. General expenses of the Fund not readily identifiable as belonging to an investment portfolio of the Fund shall be allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Directors in such manner as the Board determines to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Portfolio shall include, but are not limited to, the following (or the Portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Portfolio by the Investment Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Fund and the Portfolio’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Fund’s directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Fund or the Portfolio for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Fund to its directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing, prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Fund are allocated to such class.

 

- 4 -


SECTION 9. VOTING. The Investment Adviser shall have the authority to vote as agent for the Fund, either in person or by proxy, tender and take all actions incident to the ownership of all securities in which the Portfolio’s assets may be invested from time to time, subject to such policies and procedures as the Board of Directors of the Fund may adopt from time to time.

SECTION 10. RESERVATION OF NAME. The Investment Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Portfolio’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser may use the Portfolio’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder and the Fund shall execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate the consent of the Fund to such use. The Fund hereby agrees that in the event that neither the Investment Adviser nor any of its affiliates acts as investment adviser to the Portfolio, the name of the Portfolio will be changed to one that does not contain the names “Bear Stearns” or the initials “BS” or otherwise suggest an affiliation with the Investment Adviser.

SECTION 11. COMPENSATION. (a) For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Portfolio, the Fund will pay the Investment Adviser from the assets of the Portfolio and the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefor a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. For any period less than a full month during which this Agreement is in effect, the fee shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to a full month. (b) The fee attributable to the Portfolio shall be satisfied only against assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund. The Investment Adviser may from time to time agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in advance of the time such fee or portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or undertake to pay or reimburse the Portfolio for all or a portion of its expenses not otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.

SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (“disabling conduct”). The Portfolio will indemnify the Investment Adviser against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit not resulting from disabling conduct by the Investment Adviser. Indemnification shall be made only following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of directors of the Fund who are neither

 

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“interested persons” of the Fund nor parties to the proceeding (“disinterested non-party directors”) or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Investment Adviser shall be entitled to advances from the Portfolio for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by it in connection with the matter as to which it is seeking indemnification in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Investment Adviser shall provide to the Portfolio a written affirmation of its good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Portfolio has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one of the following additional conditions shall be met: (a) the Investment Adviser shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Portfolio for its undertaking; (b) the Portfolio is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of facts readily available to the Portfolio at the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the Investment Adviser will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification. Any amounts payable by the Portfolio under this Section shall be satisfied only against the assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund.

The limitations on liability and indemnification provisions of this Section 12 shall not be applicable to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising from the Investment Adviser’s rights to the Portfolio’s name. The Investment Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and the Portfolio for any claims arising from the use of the terms “Bear Stearns” or “BS” in the name of the Portfolio.

SECTION 13. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Portfolio as of the date first above written and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, shall continue with respect to the Portfolio until August 16, 2009. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue with respect to the Portfolio for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of the Board of Directors of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio; provided , however , that this Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Portfolio by the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, on 60 days’ prior written notice to the Investment Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days’ prior written notice to the Fund. This Agreement will immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested person” and “assignment” shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act).

SECTION 14. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated orally, except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought,

 

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and no amendment of this Agreement affecting the Portfolio shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.

SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and shall be governed by Delaware law.

SECTION 16. NOTICE. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and delivered by hand, national overnight courier, facsimile (provided written confirmation of receipt is obtained and said notice is sent via first class mail on the next business day) or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, as follows:

If to the Investment Adviser:

Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc.

Stephen Bernstein

General Counsel

Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc.

383 Madison Avenue, 30 th Floor

New York, New York 10179

Fax:

If to the Fund:

The RBB Fund, Inc.

103 Bellevue Parkway, 4 th Floor

Wilmington, DE 19809

Attn: Edward J. Roach

Fax: 302-791-1112

The effective date of any notice shall be (i) the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by hand or facsimile, (ii) one business day after the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by national overnight courier; or (iii) the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the date of mailing thereof.

SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

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SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed by their officers designated below as of the day and year first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.
By:    
Name:   Edward J. Roach
Title:   President and Treasurer
BEAR STEARNS ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

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Exhibit (d)(30)

[Robeco Letterhead]

February [    ], 2008

Edward J. Roach

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

Bellevue Park Corporate Center

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Re: Robeco Investment Funds

Dear Mr. Roach:

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby and effective as of the date noted above, Robeco Investment Management, Inc. agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratios of the Robeco Investment Funds, which is comprised of the Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Robeco Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund, Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund and Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), of The RBB Fund, Inc., WPG shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2011, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which a Fund’s total operating expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

 

   

0.68%, 0.53% and 0.43% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class, Retirement Class and Institutional Class, respectively, of the Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund.

 

   

1.70% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class of the Robeco WPG Tudor Fund.

 

   

0.75% and 1.00% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund.

 

   

1.00% and 1.25% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund.


   

1.30% and 1.55% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II.

 

   

0.95% and 1.20% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund.

 

   

2.50% and 2.75% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund.

 

   

2.14% and 2.37% (excluding short sale dividend expense) of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Robeco 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund.

Except to the extent of questions arising over miscalculated fees or a good faith dispute over the excluded categories described above, the Adviser acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Fund expenses at any time in the future.

 

ROBECO INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.
By:    
Name:  
Title:

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

By:    
  Edward J. Roach
  President and Treasurer
  The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

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Exhibit (d)(32)

[SAM Letterhead]

February[    ], 2008

Edward J. Roach

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

Bellevue Park Corporate Center

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Re: The RBB Fund - SAM Sustainable Water Fund and SAM Sustainable Climate Fund (the “Funds”)

Dear Mr. Roach:

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby and effective as of the date noted above, Sustainable Asset Management USA, Inc. (“SAM”) agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratios of the Funds of The RBB Fund, Inc., SAM shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2011, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Funds’ total operating expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

 

   

1.75% of the average daily net assets the Investor Class shares of the SAM Sustainable Water Fund and SAM Sustainable Climate Fund; and

 

   

1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class shares of the SAM Sustainable Water Fund and SAM Sustainable Climate Fund

Except to the extent of questions arising over miscalculated fees or a good faith dispute over the excluded categories described above, SAM acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Fund expenses at any time in the future.

 

SUSTAINABLE ASSET MANAGEMENT USA, INC.
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

Your signature below acknowledges acceptance of this Agreement:
By:    
  Edward J. Roach
President and Treasurer
The RBB Fund, Inc.

Exhibit (d)(36)

[BSAM Letterhead]

February [    ], 2008

Edward J. Roach

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

Bellevue Park Corporate Center

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. – Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund

Dear Mr. Roach:

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby and effective as of the date noted above, Bear Stearns Asset Management agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratio of the Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”), of The RBB Fund, Inc., Bear Stearns Asset Management shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2009, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Funds’ total operating expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

 

   

1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund

Except to the extent of questions arising over miscalculated fees or a good faith dispute over the excluded categories described above, Bear Stearns Asset Management acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Fund expenses at any time in the future.

 

BEAR STEARNS ASSET MANAGEMENT
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

Your signature below acknowledges acceptance of this Agreement:
By:    
  Edward J. Roach
President and Treasurer
The RBB Fund, Inc.

Exhibit (e)(17)

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT

The RBB Fund, Inc.

The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund

This supplemental agreement is entered into this              day of              , 2008, by and between THE RBB FUND, INC. (the “Company”) and PFPC DISTRIBUTORS, INC. (the “Distributor”).

The Company is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland and is an open-end management investment company. The Company and the Distributor have entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated as of January 2, 2001 (as from time to time amended and supplemented, the “Distribution Agreement”), pursuant to which the Distributor has undertaken to act as distributor for the Company, as more fully set forth therein. Certain capitalized terms used without definition in this Distribution Agreement Supplement have the meaning specified in the Distribution Agreement.

The Company agrees with the Distributor as follows:

1. Adoption of Distribution Agreement . The Distribution Agreement is hereby adopted for The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund Class of Common Stock of the Company (the “Class”).

2. Payment of Fees . For all services to be rendered, facilities furnished and expenses paid or assumed by the Distributor on behalf of the Class as provided in the Distribution Agreement and herein, the Company shall pay the Distributor no compensation.

3. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have entered into this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, as of the date and year first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.     PFPC DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By:         By:    
Name:   Edward J. Roach     Name:    
Title:   President     Title:    

Exhibit (g)(25)

AMENDMENT TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

This Amendment is an amendment to the Custodian Agreement dated August 16, 1988 (as from time to time amended or supplemented, the “Agreement”) between The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) and PFPC Trust Company (successor by assignment to Provident National Bank, “PFPC Trust”). The date of this Amendment is as of                      , 200_.

BACKGROUND

A. The Fund and PFPC Trust wish to amend the Agreement as set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the Fund and PFPC Trust hereby agree as follows:

1. For clarity, all references in the Agreement to “Provident National Bank” shall be deemed to be references to “PFPC Trust Company” and all references in the Agreement to “Provident” (other than such reference in paragraph 2(f) of the Agreement) shall be deemed to be references to “PFPC Trust.”

2. Paragraph 2 of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end thereof which shall read as follows:

“In addition, the Fund will provide such information and documentation as PFPC Trust may reasonably request in connection with services provided by PFPC Trust to the Fund.”

3. Paragraph 4 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the third sentence thereof in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“All securities delivered to PFPC Trust (other than in bearer form) shall be registered in the name of the Fund, PFPC Trust, the Book-Entry System, another depository, a sub-custodian, or any duly appointed nominee of the Fund, PFPC Trust, the Book-Entry System, a depository, or a sub-custodian and shall be properly endorsed and in form for transfer satisfactory to PFPC Trust.”

4. Paragraph 5 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting sub-paragraph (a)(ii) thereof in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“(ii) upon receipt of Written Instructions, for the payment of interest, dividends, taxes (provided that tax which PFPC Trust considers is required to be deducted or withheld “at source” will be governed by Paragraph 9(c)(ii) of this Agreement), administration, accounting, distribution, advisory or management fees or other expenses which are to be borne by the Fund;”.

 

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5. Paragraph 6 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof a new Paragraph 6 which shall read in its entirety as follows:

“6. Receipt of Securities .

(a) PFPC Trust shall hold and physically segregate in separate accounts, identifiable at all times from those of any other persons, firms, or corporations, all securities and non-cash property received by it for the account of each portfolio of the Fund, except for assets held in the Book-Entry System or through a sub-custodian or depository. All such securities and non-cash property are to be held or disposed of by PFPC Trust for each portfolio of the Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. In the absence of Written Instructions authorizing the transaction, PFPC Trust shall have no power or authority to withdraw, deliver, assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of any such securities and investments except in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement. In no case may any Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund withdraw any securities. PFPC Trust may, at its own expense, enter into sub-custodian agreements with other banks or trust companies regarding the custody of certain domestic securities and cash to be held by PFPC Trust for the account of the Fund pursuant to this Agreement; provided that each such bank or trust company has an aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits, as shown by its last published report, of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for a PFPC Trust subsidiary or affiliate, or of not less than twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) if such bank or trust company is not a PFPC Trust subsidiary or affiliate and that in either case such bank or trust company agrees with PFPC Trust to comply with all relevant provisions of the 1940 Act and applicable rules and regulations thereunder. In addition, PFPC Trust may enter into arrangements with sub-custodians with respect to services regarding foreign assets; any such arrangement will not be entered into without prior written notice to the Fund (or as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act). Sub-custodians utilized by PFPC Trust may be subsidiaries or affiliates of PFPC Trust, and such entities will be compensated for their services at such rates as are agreed between the entity and PFPC Trust. PFPC Trust shall remain responsible for the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian chosen by PFPC Trust under the terms of this Paragraph 6(a) to the same extent that PFPC Trust is responsible for its own acts and omissions under this Agreement.

(b) Where securities are maintained in the Book-Entry System or at another depository pursuant to Paragraph 7 hereof, PFPC Trust shall also by book-entry or otherwise identify as belonging to the applicable portfolio of the Fund the quantity of securities in a fungible bulk of securities maintained at such Book-Entry System or other depository that belong to such portfolio. At least monthly and from time to time, PFPC Trust shall furnish the Fund with a detailed statement of the Property held for each portfolio of the Fund under this Agreement.”

 

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6. Paragraph 7 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof a new Paragraph 7 which shall read in its entirety as follows:

“7. Use of Book-Entry System or Other Depository . Until it receives Written Instructions or Oral Instructions authorizing contrary actions, PFPC Trust will (a) deposit in the Book-Entry System and other depositories all securities belonging to each portfolio of the Fund eligible for deposit therein and (b) utilize the Book-Entry System and other depositories to the extent possible in connection with settlements of purchases and sales of securities by each portfolio of the Fund, and deliveries and returns of securities loaned, subject to repurchase agreements or used as collateral in connection with borrowings. Without limiting the generality of such use, it is agreed that the following provisions shall apply thereto:

(a) Securities and any cash of a portfolio of the Fund deposited in the Book-Entry System or another depository will (to the extent consistent with applicable law and standard practice) at all times be segregated from any assets and cash controlled by PFPC Trust in other than a fiduciary or custodian capacity but may be commingled with other assets held in such capacities.

(b) All books and records maintained by PFPC Trust which relate to the Fund’s participation in the Book-Entry System or another depository will at all times during PFPC Trust’s regular business hours be open to the inspection of the Fund’s duly authorized employees or agents, and the Fund will be furnished with all information in respect of the services rendered to it as it may reasonably require.

(c) PFPC Trust will provide the Fund with copies of any report obtained by PFPC Trust on the system of internal accounting control of the Book-Entry System promptly after receipt of such a report by PFPC Trust. PFPC Trust will also provide the Fund with such reports on its own system of internal control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, PFPC Trust’s use of the Book-Entry System shall comply with the requirements of Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act.”

7. Paragraph 9 of the Agreement is hereby amended by:

(a) deleting the phrase “, as collected,” from sub-paragraph (a)(i) thereof;

(b) deleting the phrase “or nominee of either” from sub-paragraph (b)(iii) thereof and inserting in lieu thereof “or a sub-custodian or a nominee of one of the foregoing”; and

 

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(c) adding a new sub-paragraph (c) at the end thereof which shall read as follows:

“(c) Other Matters .

(i) Subject to receipt of such documentation and information as PFPC Trust may request, PFPC Trust will, in such jurisdictions as PFPC Trust may agree from time to time, seek to reclaim or obtain a reduction with respect to any withholdings or other taxes relating to assets maintained hereunder (provided that PFPC Trust will not be liable for failure to obtain any particular relief in a particular jurisdiction); and

(ii) PFPC Trust is authorized to deduct or withhold any sum in respect of tax which PFPC Trust considers is required to be deducted or withheld “at source” by any relevant law or practice.”

8. Paragraph 10 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the introductory clause thereof and inserting in lieu thereof the following: “Upon receipt of Oral or Written Instructions and not otherwise, PFPC Trust shall:”.

9. Paragraph 13 of the Agreement is hereby amended by inserting in the last sentence thereof, after “by or for a portfolio of the Fund,” the following parenthetical: “(or otherwise in accordance with standard market practice)”.

10. Paragraph 14 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the last sentence thereof in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following sentence: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, PFPC Trust may accept payment in such form as is consistent with standard market practice, and may deliver assets and arrange for payment in accordance with standard market practice.”

11. Paragraph 16 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting sub-paragraph (a)(2) thereof in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof a new sub-paragraph (a)(2) which shall read in its entirety as follows:

“(2) a monthly statement summarizing all transactions and entries for the account of each portfolio of the Fund, listing the portfolio securities belonging to each portfolio of the Fund (with the corresponding security identification number) held at the end of such month, and stating the cash balance of each portfolio of the Fund at the end of such month;”.

12. Paragraph 18 of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end thereof which shall read as follows: “Notwithstanding and without being limited by the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 18, PFPC Trust is permitted to release such information and material as is necessary or desirable in connection with the provision of services under this Agreement.”

13. Paragraph 21 of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new sentence at the end thereof which shall read as follows: “The Fund acknowledges that PFPC Trust may receive float benefits in connection with maintaining certain accounts required to provide services under this Agreement.”

 

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14. Paragraph 22 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting from the last sentence thereof the following words after “In the event”: “of any advance of cash for any purpose made by Provident resulting from Oral or Written Instructions of the Fund, or in the event”.

15. Paragraph 23 of the Agreement is hereby amended by:

(a) deleting the phrase “delays, or error or loss of data” from clause (d) thereof and inserting in lieu thereof “damages (including without limitation damages caused by delays or errors or loss of data)”; and

(b) adding at the end of Paragraph 23 the following:

“Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (other than as specifically provided in Paragraph 9(c)(i) of this Agreement), the Fund shall be responsible for all filings, tax returns and reports on any transactions undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, or in respect of the Property or any collections undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, which may be requested by any relevant authority. In addition, the Fund shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes and similar items (including without limitation penalties and interest related thereto). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, PFPC Trust shall not be liable for any consequential, incidental, exemplary, punitive, special or indirect damages, whether or not the likelihood of such damages was known by PFPC Trust. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund shall not be liable for any consequential, incidental, exemplary, punitive, special or indirect damages, whether or not the likelihood of such damages was known by the Fund.”

16. Paragraph 29 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof a new Paragraph 29 which shall read in its entirety as follows:

“29. Assignment . On thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Fund, PFPC Trust may assign this Agreement to any majority-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of PFPC Trust or of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., provided that (i) the assignee agrees with PFPC Trust to comply with all relevant provisions of the 1940 Act; and (ii) PFPC Trust and such assignee shall promptly provide such information as the Fund may request, and respond to such questions as the Fund may ask, relative to the assignment, including (without limitation) the capabilities of the assignee. Upon such assignment, PFPC Trust shall be relieved of any further duties or obligations hereunder and from any liability for any acts or failures to act occurring thereafter.”

17. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding at the end thereof new Paragraph 32 and new Paragraph 33 which shall read in their entirety as follows:

“32. Crediting of Accounts . PFPC Trust may in its sole discretion credit an account of a portfolio of the Fund with respect to income, dividends, distributions, coupons, option

 

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premiums, other payments or similar items prior to PFPC Trust’s actual receipt thereof, and in addition PFPC Trust may in its sole discretion credit or debit the assets in an account of a portfolio of the Fund on a contractual settlement date with respect to any sale, exchange or purchase applicable to such portfolio; provided nothing herein or otherwise shall require PFPC Trust to make any advances or to credit any amounts until PFPC Trust’s actual receipt thereof. If PFPC Trust credits an account of a portfolio of the Fund with respect to (a) income, dividends, distributions, coupons, option premiums, other payments or similar items on a contractual payment date or otherwise in advance of PFPC Trust’s actual receipt of the amount due, (b) the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of assets on the contractual settlement date or otherwise in advance of PFPC Trust’s actual receipt of the amount due or (c) provisional crediting of any amounts due, and (i) PFPC Trust is subsequently unable to collect full and final payment for the amounts so credited within a reasonable time period using reasonable efforts or (ii) pursuant to standard industry practice, law or regulation PFPC Trust is required to repay to a third party such amounts so credited, or if any Property has been incorrectly credited, PFPC Trust shall have the absolute right in its sole discretion without demand to reverse any such credit or payment, to debit or deduct the amount of such credit or payment from an account of such portfolio maintained under this Agreement, and to otherwise pursue recovery of any such amounts so credited from the Fund. The Fund hereby grants to PFPC Trust and to each sub-custodian utilized by PFPC Trust in connection with providing services to the Fund a fist priority contractual possessory security interest in and a right of setoff against the assets maintained in the accounts of a portfolio of the Fund maintained under this Agreement in the amount necessary to secure the return and payment to PFPC Trust and to each such sub-custodian of any advance or credit made by PFPC Trust and/or by such sub-custodian (including charges related thereto) to any such accounts of such portfolio. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, PFPC Trust shall be entitled to assign any rights it has under this Paragraph 32 to any sub-custodian utilized by PFPC Trust in connection with providing services to the Fund which sub-custodian makes any credits or advances with respect to the Fund.”

“33. Foreign Exchange . PFPC Trust, its sub-custodians and the respective affiliates of such entities (together, “Affiliated Entities”) jointly or separately may act as principal and/or agent for foreign exchange (“FX”) transactions for the Fund, and any of the Affiliated Entities may arrange FX transactions for the Fund with third parties that act as principal or agent. FX transactions with affiliates of the Fund and affiliates of the Fund’s distributor are subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. Affiliated Entities and third parties may receive fees and other compensation in connection with FX transactions for the Fund, and PFPC Trust may receive from such entities a portion of their fees or other compensation. Unless PFPC Trust itself is the principal for a FX transaction, PFPC Trust will not be responsible and shall have no liability for the actions or omissions of any principal (including any other Affiliated Entity) to any FX transaction for the Fund nor any responsibility to monitor the commercial terms of any such FX transactions.”

18. Except as specifically modified by this Amendment, all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized officers, as of                          .

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.     PFPC Trust Company
By:         By:    
Title:         Title:    

 

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Exhibit (g)(26)

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT

(The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund of The RBB Fund, Inc.)

This supplemental agreement is entered into this          day of                      , 2008 by and between THE RBB FUND, INC. (the “Fund”) and PFPC Trust Company (“PFPC Trust”).

The Fund is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland and is an open-end management investment company. The Fund and PFPC Trust have entered into a Custodian Agreement, dated as of August 16, 1988 (as from time to time amended and supplemented, the “Custodian Agreement”), pursuant to which PFPC Trust has undertaken to act as custodian for the Fund with respect to the portfolios of the Fund, as more fully set forth therein. Certain capitalized terms used without definition in this Custodian Agreement Supplement have the meaning specified in the Custodian Agreement.

The Fund agrees with the Custodian as follows:

 

  1. Adoption of Custodian Agreement . The Custodian Agreement is hereby adopted for The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Portfolio”).

 

  2. Compensation . As compensation for the services rendered by the Custodian during the term of the Custodian Agreement, the Fund will pay to the Custodian, with respect to the Portfolio, monthly fees as shall be agreed to from time to time by the Fund and PFPC Trust.

 

  3. Counterparts . This Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have entered into this Supplement, intending to be legally abound hereby, as of the date and year first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.     PFPC TRUST COMPANY
By:         By:    
Name:         Name:    
Title:         Title:    

Exhibit (h)(76)

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT, made this 10 th day of January 2008, by and between Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Dimensional”), and The RBB Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), on behalf of its series, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund (the “Fund”).

WHEREAS, the Company has been organized and operates as an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) for the purposes of investing and reinvesting its assets in securities, as set forth in its registration statement on Form N-1A under the 1940 Act and the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Fund, as a separate series of the Company, desires to receive various administrative and other services; and

WHEREAS, Dimensional is willing to provide such administrative services to the Fund;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:

 

  1. The Company’s Representations and Warranties .

 

  a. The Company hereby represents and warrants that it is an “accredited investor,” as provided in Section 230.501 (a) of the regulations under the 1933 Act, by reason of being an investment company registered under the 1940 Act.

 

  b. The Company has received copies of: (i) The DFA Investment Trust Company’s (the “Investment Company”) registration statement on Form N-1A, which is current as of the date of this Agreement, and that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); (ii) the Investment Company’s most recent Form N-CSR filed with the SEC and the report to shareholders contained therein; and (iii) all other information concerning the Investment Company and the series of the Investment Company identified in Appendix A to this Agreement (the “Series”) that the Company and Abundance Technologies Inc., the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), consider relevant to the Fund’s decision to invest in the Series.

 

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  c. The Company understands that the shares of the Series have not been, and will not be, registered under the 1933 Act and, therefore, may not be transferred by the Fund in the absence of an exemption from the registration provisions thereof; however, the Company also understands that such shares may be presented by the Fund to the Investment Company for redemption at any time during the regular business hours of the Investment Company, as stated in its Form N-1A.

 

  d. The Fund is acquiring the shares of the Series for investment purposes only and not with a view to further distribution thereof.

 

  e. The Fund has not incurred nor does it intend to incur any indebtedness to acquire or to continue to hold shares of the Series.

 

  f. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, on behalf of the Fund, has been duly and validly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

  g. The Company represents and warrants that it has received an order pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the 1940 Act, granting an exemption from Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and 12(d)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act, and pursuant to Sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the 1940 Act, granting an exemption from Section 17(a) of the 1940 Act (the “Exemptive Order”), and that to the extent that all investments made by the Fund in the shares of the Series are made in reliance on the Exemptive Order and not in reliance on another subsection of Section 12 of the 1940 Act, such investments shall be made in compliance with the conditions to the Exemptive Order.

 

  h. If, after the date hereof, any of the Company’s representations and warranties become inaccurate, the Company shall promptly provide written notice thereof to Dimensional. In the case of the representation and warranty in subparagraph (g) of this Section, the Company acknowledges and agrees that Section 5 of this Agreement will become applicable.

 

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  2. Representations and Warranties of Dimensional .

Dimensional represents and warrants to the Company that Dimensional has all necessary power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions hereof.

 

  3. Services Provided by Dimensional .

 

  a. Dimensional shall provide the Company and the Adviser with such documents as legally may be necessary in order to provide for the investment of the Fund’s assets in the Series.

 

  b. Dimensional shall assist the Company in complying with the provisions of applicable federal, state, local and foreign securities, tax, and other laws that govern the business of the Company with respect to the Fund as the laws relate to the Fund’s investment in the Series and the taxation of the Fund.

 

  c. On such periodic basis as may be agreed upon by the parties from time to time, Dimensional shall provide the Adviser with such information regarding the operations and affairs of the Series, and the Fund’s investment in the Series, as the Adviser may reasonably request.

 

  d. Dimensional shall provide the Company with such written reports regarding the Series’ investment performance as the Adviser may reasonably request; provided , however , the Company understands that the annual and semi-annual financial reports of the Investment Company, which are required to be sent to shareholders pursuant to Section 30(d) of the 1940 Act, and standardized SEC investment performance data of the Investment Company, shall be provided to the Adviser by the Investment Company.

 

  e. During such times as the Fund’s investments in the Series are made in reliance on the Exemptive Order, Dimensional shall assist the Company, the Fund, and the Adviser in complying with the conditions contained in the Exemptive Order, including the Company’s, the Adviser’s, and the Investment Company’s entry into the Participation Agreement contemplated thereby and the implementation of such Participation Agreement. Dimensional shall furnish such information to the Company’s Board of Directors as may be necessary for the Board of Directors of the Company to monitor the Fund’s compliance with the Exemptive Order and the 1940 Act.

 

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  f. Dimensional shall coordinate with the Company to enable the Fund to compile and maintain such books and records as may be required under the Exemptive Order.

 

  g. Dimensional shall perform such other administrative services as are necessary or appropriate in connection with the Fund’s investment in the Series.

The parties agree that the services provided by Dimensional to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement are solely administrative services, and are not legal, investment advisory or distribution-related services.

 

  4. Liability of Dimensional .

No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect Dimensional against any liability to the Fund to which Dimensional might otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of Dimensional’s duties or the reckless disregard of Dimensional’s obligations under this Agreement.

 

  5. Exemptive Order; Redemption of Shares .

During such times as the Fund’s investment in the Series shall be undertaken in reliance on the Exemptive Order, the Company and the Fund shall take all actions necessary or advisable to comply with the terms and conditions of the Exemptive Order applicable to the Company and the Fund. If, after the date hereof, the Company notifies Dimensional pursuant to Section 1(h) of this Agreement that the Exemptive Order has been revoked, rescinded, suspended, or is no longer valid, or that the Company and the Adviser have determined not to operate in reliance on the Exemptive Order, then the Fund thereafter shall not purchase, and Dimensional shall inform the Investment Company not to sell to the Fund, shares of the Series if such purchase and sale shall violate Section 12(d)(1)(A) or Section 12(d)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act. During such times as the Fund’s investment in the Series shall be undertaken in compliance with Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, the Company and the Fund shall take all actions necessary to comply with the requirements of that Section. The Fund shall promptly present for redemption a sufficient number of shares of the Series to comply with the requirements of

 

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Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, as determined by Dimensional. Upon the failure of the Fund to present shares for redemption, as required herein, the Fund hereby authorizes Dimensional, on the Fund’s behalf, to notify the Investment Company to redeem a sufficient number of shares of the Series owned by the Fund to comply with the requirements of this Section.

 

  6. Activities of Dimensional .

The services of Dimensional to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, and Dimensional shall be free to render similar services to others as long as Dimensional’s services to the Fund are not impaired thereby.

 

  7. Compensation of Dimensional .

For the services to be rendered by Dimensional to the Fund, as provided in Section 3 of this Agreement, the Fund shall pay to Dimensional a quarterly fee determined in accordance with Appendix A to this Agreement. If the Fund redeems its investments in the Series, and this Agreement is terminated, prior to the end of any quarter, the fee for such quarter shall be prorated.

 

  8. Duration and Termination .

This Agreement shall become effective on the date first above written, provided that prior to such date it shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, and shall continue in effect until terminated by the Company or Dimensional on sixty (60) days’ written notice to the other.

 

  9. Notices .

Unless otherwise specified herein, all notices, instruction, and advices with respect to matters contemplated by the Agreement shall be deemed duly given when either delivered in writing to the addressee below or when mailed postage-paid to the other party at the follow addresses:

 

  (a) The RBB Fund, Inc.

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, Delaware 19809

Attention: Edward J. Roach

With a copy to:

Abundance Technologies, Inc.

3700 Park 42 Drive

Suite 105A

Cincinnati, Ohio 42141

Attention: Dan List

 

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  (b) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

1299 Ocean Avenue

Santa Monica, California 90401

Attention: Legal Department

 

  10. Severability .

If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule, or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.

 

  11. Governing Law .

Except to the extent otherwise provided in applicable federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Dimensional, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, Inc. on behalf of its series, the
Free Market Fixed Income Fund
   

DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS LP

By: Dimensional Holdings Inc., General Partner

THE RBB FUND, INC.    
By:   /s/ Edward J. Roach     By:   /s/ Valerie A. Brown
Name:   Edward J. Roach     Name:   Valerie A. Brown
Title:   President & Treasurer     Title:   Vice President

 

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APPENDIX A

FEE AGREEMENT

Pursuant to Section 7 of the Administrative Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) between Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”) and The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), on behalf of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund series (the “Fund”) of the Company, effective beginning January 10, 2008, Dimensional shall be entitled to compensation for the administrative services that it provides to the Fund, determined and payable as follows:

 

  1. For assets of the Fund invested in the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series of The DFA Investment Trust Company (the “Investment Company”), Dimensional shall earn an administrative services fee of 1.25 basis points per quarter. For assets of the Fund invested in the DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series of the Investment Company, Dimensional shall earn an administrative services fee of 1.25 basis points per quarter. The administrative services fees are in addition to the 5 basis point management fee earned by Dimensional from the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series of the Investment Company and the DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series of the Investment Company for advisory services.

 

  2. The administrative services fee shall be paid quarterly in arrears.

 

  3. The calculation of the administrative services fee shall be based on the market value of the assets that the Fund invests in the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series and in the DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series of the Investment Company on the last business day of the calendar quarter, provided that , if the Fund withdraws assets prior to the last day of the quarter, the market value of the withdrawn assets shall be determined as of the date of withdrawal.

 

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Exhibit (h)(86)

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of              , 2008 by and between PFPC Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (“PFPC”) and The RBB Fund, Inc. a Maryland corporation (the “Fund”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to retain PFPC to provide administration and accounting services to The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Portfolio”), and PFPC wishes to furnish such services.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

 

  (a) “1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

  (b) “1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

  (c) “Authorized Person” means any officer of the Fund and any other person duly authorized by the Fund’s Board of Directors to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf of the Fund. An Authorized Person’s scope of authority may be limited by setting forth such limitation in a written document signed by both parties hereto.

 

  (d) “CEA” means the Commodities Exchange Act, as amended.


  (e) “Change of Control” means a change in ownership or control (not including transactions between wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiaries of a common parent) of 25% or more of the beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock or shares of beneficial interest of an entity or its parent(s).

 

  (f) “Oral Instructions” mean oral instructions received by PFPC from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by PFPC to be an Authorized Person. PFPC may, in its sole discretion in each separate instance, consider and rely upon instructions it receives from an Authorized Person via electronic mail as Oral Instructions.

 

  (g) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

  (h) “Securities Laws” means the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act and the CEA.

 

  (i) “Shares” means the shares of beneficial interest of any series or class of the Fund.

 

  (j) “Written Instructions” mean (i) written instructions signed by an Authorized Person and received by PFPC or (ii) trade instructions transmitted (and received by PFPC) by means of an electronic transaction reporting system access to which requires use of a password or other authorized identifier. The instructions may be delivered by hand, mail, tested telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device.

 

2. Appointment . The Fund hereby appoints PFPC to provide administration and accounting services to the Portfolio, in accordance with the terms set forth in this Agreement. PFPC accepts such appointment and agrees to furnish such services.

 

3. Information . The Fund will provide such information and documentation as PFPC may reasonably request in connection with services provided by PFPC to the Fund.

 

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4. Compliance with Rules and Regulations .

PFPC undertakes to comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Laws, and any laws, rules and regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction with respect to the duties to be performed by PFPC hereunder. Except as specifically set forth herein, PFPC assumes no responsibility for such compliance by the Fund or other entity.

 

5. Instructions .

 

  (a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, PFPC shall act only upon Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.

 

  (b) PFPC shall be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instruction or Written Instruction it receives from an Authorized Person (or from a person reasonably believed by PFPC to be an Authorized Person) pursuant to this Agreement. PFPC may assume that any Oral Instruction or Written Instruction received hereunder is not in any way inconsistent with the provisions of organizational documents or this Agreement or of any vote, resolution or proceeding of the Fund’s Board of Directors or of the Fund’s shareholders, unless and until PFPC receives Written Instructions to the contrary.

 

  (c) The Fund agrees to forward to PFPC Written Instructions confirming Oral Instructions (except where such Oral Instructions are given by PFPC or its affiliates) so that PFPC receives the Written Instructions by the close of business on the same day that such Oral Instructions are received. The fact that such confirming Written Instructions are not received by PFPC or differ from the Oral Instructions shall in no way invalidate the transactions or enforceability of the transactions authorized by the Oral Instructions or PFPC’s ability to rely upon such Oral Instructions.

 

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6. Right to Receive Advice .

 

  (a) Advice of the Fund . If PFPC is in doubt as to any action it should or should not take, PFPC may request directions or advice, including Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, from the Fund.

 

  (b) Advice of Counsel . If PFPC shall be in doubt as to any question of law pertaining to any action it should or should not take, PFPC may request advice from counsel of its own choosing (who may be counsel for the Fund, the Fund’s investment adviser or PFPC, at the option of PFPC).

 

  (c) Conflicting Advice . In the event of a conflict between directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions PFPC receives from the Fund and the advice PFPC receives from counsel, PFPC may rely upon and follow the advice of counsel.

 

  (d) Protection of PFPC . PFPC shall be indemnified by the Fund and without liability for any action PFPC takes or does not take in reliance upon directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions PFPC receives from or on behalf of the Fund or from counsel and which PFPC believes, in good faith, to be consistent with those directions or advice and Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to impose an obligation upon PFPC (i) to seek such directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, or (ii) to act in accordance with such directions or advice or Oral Instructions or Written Instructions.

 

7. Records; Visits .

 

  (a)

The books and records pertaining to the Fund and the Portfolio which are in the possession or under the control of PFPC shall be the property of the Fund. Such

 

4


 

books and records shall be prepared and maintained as required by the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations. The Fund and Authorized Persons shall have access to such books and records at all times during PFPC’s normal business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any such books and records shall be provided by PFPC to the Fund or to an Authorized Person, at the Fund’s expense.

 

  (b) PFPC shall keep the following records:

 

  (i) all books and records with respect to the Portfolio’s books of account;

 

  (ii) records of the Portfolio’s securities transactions; and

 

  (iii) all other books and records as PFPC is required to maintain pursuant to Rule 31a-1 of the 1940 Act in connection with the services provided hereunder.

 

8.

Confidentiality . Each party shall keep confidential any information relating to the other party’s business (“Confidential Information”). Confidential Information shall include (a) any data or information that is competitively sensitive material, and not generally known to the public, including, but not limited to, information about product plans, marketing strategies, finances, operations, customer relationships, customer profiles, customer lists, sales estimates, business plans, and internal performance results relating to the past, present or future business activities of the Fund or PFPC, their respective subsidiaries and affiliated companies and the customers, clients and suppliers of any of them; (b) any scientific or technical information, design, process, procedure, formula, or improvement that is commercially valuable and secret in the sense that its confidentiality affords the Fund or PFPC a competitive advantage over its competitors; (c) all confidential or proprietary concepts, documentation, reports, data, specifications, computer software,

 

5


 

source code, object code, flow charts, databases, inventions, know-how, and trade secrets, whether or not patentable or copyrightable; and (d) anything designated as confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, information shall not be subject to such confidentiality obligations if it: (a) is already known to the receiving party at the time it is obtained; (b) is or becomes publicly known or available through no wrongful act of the receiving party; (c) is rightfully received from a third party who, to the best of the receiving party’s knowledge, is not under a duty of confidentiality; (d) is released by the protected party to a third party without restriction; (e) is requested or required to be disclosed by the receiving party pursuant to a court order, subpoena, governmental or regulatory agency or law (provided the receiving party will provide the other party written notice of same, to the extent such notice is permitted); (f) is relevant to the defense of any claim or cause of action asserted against the receiving party; (g) is Fund information provided by PFPC in connection with an independent third party compliance or other review; (h) is necessary or desirable for PFPC to release such information in connection with the provision of services under this Agreement; or (i) has been or is independently developed or obtained by the receiving party.

 

9. Liaison with Accountants . PFPC shall act as liaison with the Fund’s independent public accountants and shall provide account analyses, fiscal year summaries, and other audit-related schedules with respect to the Portfolio. PFPC shall take all reasonable action in the performance of its duties under this Agreement to assure that the necessary information is made available to such accountants for the expression of their opinion, as required by the Fund.

 

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10. PFPC System . PFPC shall retain title to and ownership of any and all data bases, computer programs, screen formats, report formats, interactive design techniques, derivative works, inventions, discoveries, patentable or copyrightable matters, concepts, expertise, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and other related legal rights utilized by PFPC in connection with the services provided by PFPC to the Fund.

 

11. Disaster Recovery . PFPC shall enter into and shall maintain in effect with appropriate parties one or more agreements making reasonable provisions for emergency use of electronic data processing equipment to the extent appropriate equipment is available. In the event of equipment failures, PFPC shall, at no additional expense to the Fund, take reasonable steps to minimize service interruptions. PFPC shall have no liability with respect to the loss of data or service interruptions caused by equipment failure, provided such loss or interruption is not caused by PFPC’s own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its duties or obligations under this Agreement.

 

12. Compensation .

 

  (a) As compensation for services rendered by PFPC during the term of this Agreement, the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, will pay to PFPC a fee or fees as may be agreed to in writing by the Fund and PFPC.

 

  (b) The Fund hereby represents and warrants that this Agreement shall be provided to its Board of Directors and that, if required by applicable law, such Board of Directors has approved or will approve the terms of this Agreement.

 

13.

Indemnification . The Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio, agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless PFPC and its affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, agents and employees from all taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims and liabilities

 

7


 

(including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements and liabilities arising under the Securities Laws and any state and foreign securities and blue sky laws) arising directly or indirectly from any action or omission to act which PFPC takes in connection with the provision of services to the Fund. Neither PFPC, nor any of its affiliates, shall be indemnified against any liability (or any expenses incident to such liability) caused by PFPC’s or its affiliates’ own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of PFPC’s activities under this Agreement. Any amounts payable by the Fund hereunder shall be satisfied only against the Portfolio’s assets and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund. The provisions of this Section 13 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

14. Responsibility of PFPC .

 

  (a) PFPC shall be under no duty to take any action hereunder on behalf of the Fund or the Portfolio except as specifically set forth herein or as may be specifically agreed to by PFPC and the Fund in a written amendment hereto. PFPC shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the performance of its duties hereunder and to act in good faith in performing services provided for under this Agreement. PFPC shall be liable only for any damages arising out of PFPC’s failure to perform its duties under this Agreement to the extent such damages arise out of PFPC’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such duties.

 

  (b)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) PFPC shall not be liable for losses, delays, failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring directly or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control,

 

8


 

including without limitation acts of God; action or inaction of civil or military authority; public enemy; war; terrorism; riot; fire; flood; sabotage; epidemics; labor disputes; civil commotion; interruption, loss or malfunction of utilities, transportation, computer or communications capabilities; insurrection; elements of nature; or non-performance by a third party; and (ii) PFPC shall not be under any duty or obligation to inquire into and shall not be liable for the validity or invalidity, authority or lack thereof, or truthfulness or accuracy or lack thereof, of any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information which PFPC reasonably believes to be genuine.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) neither PFPC nor its affiliates shall be liable for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was known by PFPC or its affiliates and (ii) PFPC’s cumulative liability to the Fund for all losses, claims, suits, controversies, breaches or damages for any cause whatsoever (including but not limited to those arising out of or related to this Agreement) and regardless of the form of action or legal theory shall not exceed the lesser of $100,000 or the fees received by PFPC for services provided hereunder during the 12 months immediately prior to the date of such loss or damage.

 

  (d) No party may assert a cause of action against PFPC or any of its affiliates that allegedly occurred more than 12 months immediately prior to the filing of the suit (or, if applicable, commencement of arbitration proceedings) alleging such cause of action.

 

  (e) Each party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which the other party may become responsible.

 

9


  (f) The provisions of this Section 14 shall survive termination of this Agreement.

 

15. Description of Accounting Services on a Continuous Basis .

PFPC will perform the following accounting services with respect to the Portfolio:

 

  (i) Journalize investment, capital share and income and expense activities;

 

  (ii) Verify investment buy/sell trade tickets when received from the investment adviser for the Portfolio (the “Adviser”) and transmit trades to the Fund’s custodian (the “Custodian”) for proper settlement;

 

  (iii) Maintain individual ledgers for investment securities;

 

  (iv) Maintain historical tax lots for each security;

 

  (v) Reconcile cash and investment balances of the Fund with the Custodian, and provide the Adviser with the beginning cash balance available for investment purposes;

 

  (vi) Update the cash availability throughout the day as required by the Adviser;

 

  (vii) Post to and prepare the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Statement of Operations;

 

  (viii) Calculate various contractual expenses ( e.g. , advisory and custody fees);

 

  (ix) Monitor the expense accruals and notify an officer of the Fund of any proposed adjustments;

 

  (x) Control all disbursements and authorize such disbursements upon Written Instructions;

 

  (xi) Calculate capital gains and losses;

 

  (xii) Determine net income;

 

  (xiii) Obtain security market quotes from independent pricing services approved by the Adviser, or if such quotes are unavailable, then obtain such prices from the Adviser, and in either case calculate the market value of the Portfolio’s Investments;

 

  (xiv) Transmit or mail a copy of the daily portfolio valuation to the Adviser;

 

10


  (xv) Compute net asset value;

 

  (xvi) As appropriate, compute yields, total return, expense ratios, portfolio turnover rate, and, if required, portfolio average dollar-weighted maturity; and

 

  (xvii)  Prepare a monthly financial statement upon request which includes the following items:

Schedule of Investments

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Statement of Operations

Cash Statement

Schedule of Capital Gains and Losses.

 

16. Description of Administration Services on a Continuous Basis .

PFPC will perform the following administration services with respect to the Portfolio:

 

  (i) Prepare quarterly broker security transactions summaries upon request;

 

  (ii) Prepare monthly security transaction listings;

 

  (iii) Supply various normal and customary Portfolio and Fund statistical data as requested on an ongoing basis;

 

  (iv) Prepare for execution and file the Fund’s Federal and state tax returns;

 

  (v) Prepare and file the Fund’s Semi-Annual Reports with the SEC on Form N-SAR;

 

  (vi) Prepare and file with the SEC the Fund’s annual, semi-annual, and quarterly shareholder reports;

 

  (vii) Assist in the preparation of registration statements and other filings relating to the registration of Shares;

 

  (viii) Monitor the Portfolio’s status as a regulated investment company under Sub-chapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

  (ix) Coordinate contractual relationships and communications between the Fund and its contractual service providers; and

 

  (x) Monitor the Fund’s compliance with the amounts and conditions of each state qualification.

 

11


17. Duration and Termination . This Agreement shall continue until terminated by the Fund or by PFPC on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other party. In the event the Fund gives notice of termination, all expenses associated with movement (or duplication) of records and materials and conversion thereof to a successor accounting and administration services agent(s) (and any other service provider(s)), and all trailing expenses incurred by PFPC, will be borne by the Fund.

 

18. Change of Control . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event of an agreement to enter into a transaction that would result in a Change of Control of the Fund’s adviser or sponsor, the Fund’s ability to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Section 17 will be suspended from the time of such agreement until two years after the Change of Control.

 

19. Notices . Notices shall be addressed (a) if to PFPC, at 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, Attention: President; (b) if to the Fund, at 103 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809, Attention: Edward A. Roach or (c) if to neither of the foregoing, at such other address as shall have been given by like notice to the sender of any such notice or other communication by the other party. If notice is sent by confirming telegram, cable, telex or facsimile sending device, it shall be deemed to have been given immediately. If notice is sent by first-class mail, it shall be deemed to have been given three days after it has been mailed. If notice is sent by messenger, it shall be deemed to have been given on the day it is delivered.

 

20. Amendments . This Agreement, or any term thereof, may be changed or waived only by written amendment, signed by the party against whom enforcement of such change or waiver is sought.

 

12


21. Assignment . PFPC may assign its rights hereunder to any majority-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of PFPC or of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., provided that PFPC gives the Fund 30 days prior written notice of such assignment.

 

22. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

23. Further Actions . Each party agrees to perform such further acts and execute such further documents as are necessary to effectuate the purposes hereof.

 

24. Miscellaneous .

 

  (a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Fund agrees not to make any modifications to its registration statement or adopt any policies which would affect materially the obligations or responsibilities of PFPC hereunder without the prior written approval of PFPC, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

  (b) Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, PFPC hereby disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, made to the Fund or any other person, including, without limitation, any warranties regarding quality, suitability, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise (irrespective of any course of dealing, custom or usage of trade), of any services or any goods provided incidental to services provided under this Agreement. PFPC disclaims any warranty of title or non-infringement except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

13


  (c) This Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof, provided that the parties may embody in one or more separate documents their agreement, if any, with respect to delegated duties. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. Notwithstanding any provision hereof, the services of PFPC are not, nor shall they be, construed as constituting legal advice or the provision of legal services for or on behalf of the Fund or any other person.

 

  (d) This Agreement shall be deemed to be a contract made in Delaware and governed by Delaware law, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.

 

  (e) If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

  (f) The facsimile signature of any party to this Agreement shall constitute the valid and binding execution hereof by such party.

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

PFPC INC.
By:    
Title:  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.
By:    
Title:  

 

15

Exhibit (h)(87)

TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT

(The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund of The RBB Fund, Inc.)

This supplemental agreement is entered into this              day of                      , 2008 by and between THE RBB FUND, INC. (the “Fund”) and PFPC INC., a Massachusetts corporation (“PFPC”).

The Fund is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland and is an open-end management investment company. The Fund and PFPC have entered into a Transfer Agency Agreement, dated as of November 5, 1991 (as from time to time amended and supplemented, the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), pursuant to which PFPC has undertaken to act as transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund with respect to the portfolios of the Fund, as more fully set forth therein. Certain capitalized terms used without definition in this Transfer Agency Agreement Supplement have the meaning specified in the Transfer Agency Agreement.

The Fund agrees with the Transfer Agent as follows:

 

  1. Adoption of Transfer Agency Agreement . The Transfer Agency Agreement is hereby adopted for the The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Portfolio”).

 

  2. Compensation . As compensation for the services rendered by PFPC during the term of the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Fund will pay to the Transfer Agent, with respect to the Portfolio, monthly fees that shall be agreed to from time to time by the Fund and PFPC, for each account open at any time during the month for which payment is being made, plus certain of PFPC’s expenses relating to such services.

 

  3. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature page follows.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have entered into this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, as of the date and year first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.     PFPC INC.
By:         By:    
Name:         Name:    
Title:         Title:    

Exhibit (h)(88)

AMENDED AND RESTATED SCHEDULE A

THIS SCHEDULE A, amended and restated as of                              , 2008, is the Schedule A to that certain Regulatory Administration Services Agreement dated as of June 1, 2003 between PFPC Inc. and The RBB Fund, Inc.

List of Portfolios

Money Market Portfolio

Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund

Robeco Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund

Robeco Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund

Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Fund

Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly the Micro Cap Value Fund)

Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly the Market Neutral Fund)

Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund

WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund

Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund

Schneider Small Cap Value Fund

Schneider Value Fund

Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions

Liquidity Fund for Credit Union Members

Senbanc Fund

Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio

Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund

Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund


Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

Free Market International Equity Fund

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

The Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund

 

PFPC INC.
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
THE RBB FUND, INC.
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

Exhibit (h)(89)

NON-12b-1 SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN

OF

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(Class A Shares of the Bear Stearns Multi Factor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund)

Section 1 . Upon the recommendation of PFPC Distributors, Inc., the Company’s distributor (“Distributor”), of shares of Class NNNN Common Stock of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), par value $.001 per share (the “Class A Shares”), representing interests in the Bear Stearns Multi Factor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, (the “Fund”) any officer of the Company, is authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Company, written agreements, in substantially the form attached hereto or in any other form duly approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (“Servicing Agreements”), with securities dealers, financial institutions and other industry professionals that are shareholders or dealers of record or which have a servicing relationship with the beneficial owners of the Class A Shares of the Fund (“Service Organizations”). Such Servicing Agreements shall require the Service Organizations to provide certain shareholder administrative support services as set forth therein to their clients who beneficially own Class A Shares of the Fund in consideration of a fee, computed daily and paid in the manner set forth in the Servicing Agreements, at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class A Shares of the Fund beneficially owned by such clients. All expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the Servicing Agreements and the implementation of this Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan (“Plan”) shall be borne entirely by the holders of Class A Shares.

Section 2 . The Distributor shall monitor the arrangements pertaining to the Company’s Servicing Agreements with Service Organizations in accordance with the terms of the Distributor’s distribution agreement with the Company pertaining to Class A Shares. The Distributor shall not, however, be obligated by this Plan to recommend, and the Company shall not be obligated to execute, any Servicing Agreement with any Service Organization.

Section 3 . So long as this Plan is in effect, the Distributor shall provide to the Company’s Board of Directors, and the Directors shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

Section 4 . This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together with the form of Servicing Agreement attached hereto by a majority of both (a) the Board of Directors of the Company and (b) those Directors of the Company who are not “interested persons” of the Company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any Servicing Agreements or other agreements related to this Plan (the “Disinterested Directors”).


Section 5 . Unless sooner terminated, this Plan shall continue until August 16, 2008 and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual periods commencing on August 16, provided such continuance is approved at least annually in the manner set forth in Section 4.

Section 6 . This Plan may be amended at any time by the Company’s Board of Directors, provided that any material amendments of the terms of this Plan shall become effective only upon the approvals set forth in Section 4.

Section 7 . This Plan is terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors.

Section 8 . While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Act) of the Company shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Act) of the Company.

Section 9 . The Company has adopted this Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan effective as of February 14, 2008.

 

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THE RBB FUND, INC.

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, Delaware 19809

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

Gentlemen:

We wish to enter into this Shareholder Servicing Agreement with you concerning the provision of shareholder administrative support services to your clients (“Clients”) who may from time to time beneficially own shares of Class NNNN Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (“Class A Shares”) representing interests in the Bear Stearns Multi Factor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”).

The terms and conditions of this Servicing Agreement are as follows:

Section 1. You agree to provide any or all of the following support services to Clients who may from time to time beneficially own Class A Shares of the Fund: (i) aggregating and processing purchase and redemption requests for Class A Shares from Clients and placing net purchase and redemption orders with our transfer agent, PFPC Inc.; (ii) providing Clients with a service that invests the assets of their account in Class A Shares pursuant to specific or pre-authorized instructions; (iii) processing dividend payments from us on behalf of Clients; (iv) providing information periodically to Clients showing their positions in Class A Shares; (v) arranging for bank wires; (vi) responding to Client inquiries relating to the services performed by you; (vii) providing subaccounting with respect to Class A Shares beneficially owned by Clients or the information to us necessary for subaccounting; (viii) if required by law, forwarding shareholder communications from us (such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual financial statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to Clients; (ix) responding to Client inquires relating to dividends and distributions; (x) responding to Client inquires relating to Client account statements; (xi) responding to Client inquires relating to shareholder communications from us to Clients; (xii) providing Clients with information relating to developments affecting their Class A Shares and (xiii) providing such other similar services as we may reasonably request to the extent you are permitted to do so under applicable statutes, rules or regulations.

Section 2. You represent that: (a) you will provide to your Clients a schedule of any fees charged by you to your Clients in connection with the investment of their assets in Class A Shares of the Fund; (b) you will retain payments received by you hereunder only if an investment in Class A Shares has been authorized by your Clients; and (c) the compensation paid to you hereunder will not be excessive or unreasonable.

Section 3. You will provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities and personnel (which may be any part of the space, equipment and facilities currently used in your business, or any personnel employed by you) as may be reasonably necessary or beneficial in order to provide the aforementioned services to Clients.


Section 4. Neither you nor any of your officers, employees or agents are authorized to make any representations concerning us or Class A Shares of the Fund except those contained in our then current prospectus for such Class A Shares, copies of which will be supplied by us, or caused to be supplied by the Distributor, to you, or in such supplemental literature or advertising as may be authorized by us in writing.

Section 5. For all purposes of this Agreement you will be deemed to be an independent contractor, and will have no authority to act as agent for us or the Distributor in any matter or in any respect. By your written acceptance of this Agreement, you agree to and do release, indemnify and hold us harmless from and against any and all direct or indirect liabilities or losses resulting from requests, directions, actions or inactions of or by you or your officers, employees or agents regarding your responsibilities hereunder or the purchase, redemption, transfer or registration of Class A Shares by or on behalf of Clients. You and your employees will, upon request, be available during normal business hours to consult with us or our designees concerning the performance of your responsibilities under this Agreement.

Section 6. In consideration of the services and facilities provided by you hereunder, we will pay to you, and you will accept as fully payment therefor, a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A Shares beneficially owned by your Clients for whom you are the dealer of record or holder of record or with whom you have a servicing relationship (the “Clients’ Class A Shares”), which fee will be computed daily and payable monthly. For purposes of determining the fees payable under this Section 6, the average daily net asset value of the Clients’ Class A Shares will be computed in the manner specified in our registration statement (as the same is in effect from time to time) in connection with the computation of the net asset value of Class A Shares for purposes of purchases and redemptions. The fee rate stated above may be prospectively increased or decreased by us, at our sole discretion, at any time upon notice to you. We may, in our discretion and without notice, suspend or withdraw the sale of Class A Shares, including the sale of such shares to you for the account of any Client or Clients.

Section 7. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by us pursuant to this Agreement will provide to our Board of Directors, and our Directors will review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. In addition, you will furnish us or our designees with such information as we or they may reasonably request (including, without limitation, periodic certifications confirming the provision to Clients of the services described herein), and will otherwise cooperate with us and our designees (including, without limitation, any auditors designated by us), in connection with the preparation of reports to our Board of Directors concerning this Agreement and the monies paid or payable by us pursuant hereto, as well as any other reports or filings that may be required by law.

Section 8. We may enter into other similar Shareholder Servicing Agreements with any other person or persons without your consent.

 

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Section 9. By your written acceptance of this Agreement, you represent, warrant and agree that in no event will any of the services provided by you hereunder be primarily intended to result in the sale of any shares issued by us.

Section 10. This Agreement will become effective on the date a fully executed copy of this Agreement is received by us or our designee. Unless sooner terminated, this Agreement will continue until August 16, 2008 and thereafter will continue automatically for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by us in the manner described in Section 13 hereof. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, at any time by us (which termination may be by vote of a majority of our Disinterested Directors as defined in Section 13 hereof) or by you upon notice to the other party herein.

Section 11. All notices and other communications to either you or us will be duly given if mailed, telegraphed, telexed or transmitted by similar telecommunications device to the appropriate address shown herein.

Section 12. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland and is non-assignable by the parties hereto.

Section 13. The form of this Agreement has been approved by vote of a majority of (i) our Board of Directors and (ii) those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of us and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder Services Plan adopted by us regarding the provision of support services to the beneficial owners of Class A Shares of the Fund or in any agreements related thereto (“Disinterested Directors”).

 

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If you agree to be legally bound by the provisions of this Agreement, please sign a copy of this letter where indicated below and promptly return it to us, c/o PFPC Distributors, Inc., 760 Moore Road, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19406.

 

    Very truly yours,
    THE RBB FUND, INC.
Date:                          By:    
        Edward J. Roach
        Authorized Officer
    Accepted and Agreed to:
    Name of Entity (Please Print or Type)
    Address:
Date:                          By:    
        Name:
        Title:

 

- 4 -

Exhibit (h)(90)

NON-12b-1 SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN

OF

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(Class I Shares of the Bear Stearns Multi Factor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund)

Section 1 . Upon the recommendation of PFPC Distributors, Inc., the Company’s distributor (“Distributor”), of shares of Class OOOO Common Stock of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), par value $.001 per share (the “Class I Shares”), representing interests in the Bear Stearns Multi Factor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund, (the “Fund”) any officer of the Company, is authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Company, written agreements, in substantially the form attached hereto or in any other form duly approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (“Servicing Agreements”), with securities dealers, financial institutions and other industry professionals that are shareholders or dealers of record or which have a servicing relationship with the beneficial owners of the Class I Shares of the Fund (“Service Organizations”). Such Servicing Agreements shall require the Service Organizations to provide certain shareholder administrative support services as set forth therein to their clients who beneficially own Class I Shares of the Fund in consideration of a fee, computed daily and paid in the manner set forth in the Servicing Agreements, at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Class I Shares of the Fund beneficially owned by such clients. All expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the Servicing Agreements and the implementation of this Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan (“Plan”) shall be borne entirely by the holders of Class I Shares.

Section 2 . The Distributor shall monitor the arrangements pertaining to the Company’s Servicing Agreements with Service Organizations in accordance with the terms of the Distributor’s distribution agreement with the Company pertaining to Class I Shares. The Distributor shall not, however, be obligated by this Plan to recommend, and the Company shall not be obligated to execute, any Servicing Agreement with any Service Organization.

Section 3 . So long as this Plan is in effect, the Distributor shall provide to the Company’s Board of Directors, and the Directors shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

Section 4 . This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together with the form of Servicing Agreement attached hereto by a majority of both (a) the Board of Directors of the Company and (b) those Directors of the Company who are not “interested persons” of the


Company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any Servicing Agreements or other agreements related to this Plan (the “Disinterested Directors”).

Section 5 . Unless sooner terminated, this Plan shall continue until August 16, 2008 and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual periods commencing on August 16, provided such continuance is approved at least annually in the manner set forth in Section 4.

Section 6 . This Plan may be amended at any time by the Company’s Board of Directors, provided that any material amendments of the terms of this Plan shall become effective only upon the approvals set forth in Section 4.

Section 7 . This Plan is terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors.

Section 8 . While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Act) of the Company shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Act) of the Company.

Section 9 . The Company has adopted this Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan effective as of February 14, 2008.

 

-2-


Exhibit (h)(90)

THE RBB FUND, INC.

103 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, Delaware 19809

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT

Gentlemen:

We wish to enter into this Shareholder Servicing Agreement with you concerning the provision of shareholder administrative support services to your clients (“Clients”) who may from time to time beneficially own shares of Class OOOO Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (“Class I Shares”) representing interests in the Bear Stearns Multi Factor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”).

The terms and conditions of this Servicing Agreement are as follows:

Section 1. You agree to provide any or all of the following support services to Clients who may from time to time beneficially own Class I Shares of the Fund: (i) aggregating and processing purchase and redemption request for Class I Shares from Clients and placing net purchase and redemption orders with our transfer agent, PFPC Inc.; (ii) providing Clients with a service that invests the assets of their account in Class I Shares pursuant to specific or pre-authorized instructions; (iii) processing dividend payments from us on behalf of Clients; (iv) providing information periodically to Clients showing their positions in Class I Shares; (v) arranging for bank wires; (vi) responding to Client inquiries relating to the services performed by you; (vii) providing subaccounting with respect to Class I Shares beneficially owned by Clients or the information to us necessary for subaccounting; (viii) if required by law, forwarding shareholder communications from us (such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual financial statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices) to Clients; (ix) responding to Client inquires relating to dividends and distributions; (x) responding to Client inquires relating to Client account statements; (xi) responding to Client inquires relating to shareholder communications from us to Clients; (xii) providing Clients with information relating to developments affecting their Class I Shares and (xiii) providing such other similar services as we may reasonably request to the extent you are permitted to do so under applicable statutes, rules or regulations.

Section 2. You represent that: (a) you will provide to your Clients a schedule of any fees charged by you to your Clients in connection with the investment of their assets in Class I Shares of the Fund; (b) you will retain payments received by you hereunder only if an investment in Class I Shares has been authorized by your Clients; and (c) the compensation paid to you hereunder will not be excessive or unreasonable.

Section 3. You will provide such office space and equipment, telephone facilities and personnel (which may be any part of the space, equipment and facilities currently used in


your business, or any personnel employed by you) as may be reasonably necessary or beneficial in order to provide the aforementioned services to Clients.

Section 4. Neither you nor any of your officers, employees or agents are authorized to make any representations concerning us or Class I Shares of the Fund except those contained in our then current prospectus for such Class I Shares, copies of which will be supplied by us, or caused to be supplied by the Distributor, to you, or in such supplemental literature or advertising as may be authorized by us in writing.

Section 5. For all purposes of this Agreement you will be deemed to be an independent contractor, and will have no authority to act as agent for us or the Distributor in any matter or in any respect. By your written acceptance of this Agreement, you agree to and do release, indemnify and hold us harmless from and against any and all direct or indirect liabilities or losses resulting from requests, directions, actions or inactions of or by you or your officers, employees or agents regarding your responsibilities hereunder or the purchase, redemption, transfer or registration of Class I Shares by or on behalf of Clients. You and your employees will, upon request, be available during normal business hours to consult with us or our designees concerning the performance of your responsibilities under this Agreement.

Section 6. In consideration of the services and facilities provided by you hereunder, we will pay to you, and you will accept as full payment therefor, a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Class I Shares beneficially owned by your Clients for whom you are the dealer of record or holder of record or with whom you have a servicing relationship (the “Clients’ Class I Shares”), which fee will be computed daily and payable monthly. For purposes of determining the fees payable under this Section 6, the average daily net asset value of the Clients’ Class I Shares will be computed in the manner specified in our registration statement (as the same is in effect from time to time) in connection with the computation of the net asset value of Class I Shares for purposes of purchases and redemptions. The fee rate stated above may be prospectively increased or decreased by us, at our sole discretion, at any time upon notice to you. We may, in our discretion and without notice, suspend or withdraw the sale of Class I Shares, including the sale of such shares to you for the account of any Client or Clients.

Section 7. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by us pursuant to this Agreement will provide to our Board of Directors, and our Directors will review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. In addition, you will furnish us or our designees with such information as we or they may reasonably request (including, without limitation, periodic certifications confirming the provision to Clients of the services described herein), and will otherwise cooperate with us and our designees (including, without limitation, any auditors designated by us), in connection with the preparation of reports to our Board of Directors concerning this Agreement and the monies paid or payable by us pursuant hereto, as well as any other reports or filings that may be required by law.

Section 8. We may enter into other similar Shareholder Servicing Agreements with any other person or persons without your consent.

 

-2-


Section 9. By your written acceptance of this Agreement, you represent, warrant and agree that in no event will any of the services provided by you hereunder be primarily intended to result in the sale of any shares issued by us.

Section 10. This Agreement will become effective on the date a fully executed copy of this Agreement is received by us or our designee. Unless sooner terminated, this Agreement will continue until August 16, 2008 and thereafter will continue automatically for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by us in the manner described in Section 13 hereof. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, at any time by us (which termination may be by vote of a majority of our Disinterested Directors as defined in Section 13 hereof) or by you upon notice to the other party herein.

Section 11. All notices and other communications to either you or us will be duly given if mailed, telegraphed, telexed or transmitted by similar telecommunications device to the appropriate address shown herein.

Section 12. This Agreement will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland and is non-assignable by the parties hereto.

Section 13. The form of this Agreement has been approved by vote of a majority of (i) our Board of Directors and (ii) those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of us and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder Services Plan adopted by us regarding the provision of support services to the beneficial owners of Class I Shares of the Fund or in any agreements related thereto (“Disinterested Directors”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

-3-


If you agree to be legally bound by the provisions of this Agreement, please sign a copy of this letter where indicated below and promptly return it to us, c/o PFPC Distributors, Inc., 760 Moore Road, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19406.

 

    Very truly yours,
    THE RBB FUND, INC.
Date:                  By:    
        Edward J. Roach
        Authorized Officer
      Accepted and Agreed to:
      Name of Entity (Please Print or Type)
      Address:
Date:                  By:    
        Name:
        Title:

 

-4-

Exhibit (i)(2)

CONSENT OF COUNSEL

We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the reference to our Firm under the caption “Counsel” in the Statement of Additional Information that is included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827; 811-5518) on Form N-1A of The RBB Fund, Inc., under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, respectively. This consent does not constitute a consent under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, and in consenting to the use of our name and the references to our Firm under such caption we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under said section 7 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

/s/ Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 27, 2008

Exhibit (l)(27)

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, and Bear Stearns Asset Management Inc. (“BSAM”), intending to be legally bound, hereby agree with each other as follows:

1. The Company hereby offers BSAM and BSAM hereby purchases $              worth of shares of Class NNNN Common Stock (par value $.001 per share); $              worth of shares of Class OOOO Common Stock (par value $.001 per share) (such shares hereinafter sometimes collectively known as “Shares”) at price per Share equivalent to the net asset value per share of the Shares as determined on                          .

2. The Company hereby acknowledges receipt from BSAM of funds in the amount of $              in full payment for the Shares.

3. BSAM represents and warrants to the Company that the Shares are being acquired for investment purposes and not with a view to the distribution thereof.

4. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and all such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the              day of              , 2008.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.
By:    
Name:   Edward J. Roach
Title:   President & Treasurer

 

BEAR STEARNS ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

Exhibit (m)(25)

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1

OF

THE RBB FUND, INC.

WHEREAS, The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) intends to engage in business as an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”); and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to adopt a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act with respect to shares of its Class NNNN Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Class A Shares”) of its Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund and the Board of Directors has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that adoption of this Plan of Distribution will benefit the Company and the holders of the Class A Shares;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company hereby adopts, and the Company’s Distributor hereby agrees to the terms of, this Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act on the following terms and conditions:

1. The Company shall pay to its distributor (the “Distributor”), as the distributor of the Class A Shares, compensation for distribution of its shares at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares. The amount of such compensation shall be agreed upon by the Board of Directors of the Company and by the Distributor and shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Directors and the Distributor shall mutually agree.

2. The amount set forth in paragraph 1 of this Plan shall be paid for the Distributor’s services as distributor of the Class A Shares. Such amount may be spent by the Distributor on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares, including, but not limited to: compensation to and expenses of employees of the Distributor who engage in or support distribution of the Class A Shares, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing of prospectuses and reports for other than existing shareholders; preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials; and compensation to certain financial institutions (“Service Organizations”) who sell Class A Shares. The Distributor may negotiate with any such Service Organizations the services to be provided by the Service Organization to shareholders in connection with the sale of Class A Shares (“Distribution Services”), and all or any portion of the compensation paid to the Distributor under paragraph 1 of this Plan may be reallocated by the Distributor to Service Organizations who sell Class A Shares.


The compensation paid to Service Organizations with respect to Distribution Services will compensate Service Organizations to cover certain expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares, including, but not limited to: (a) costs of payments made to employees that engage in the sale of Class A Shares; (b) payments made to, and expenses of, persons who provide support services in connection with the sale of Class A Shares, including, but not limited to, office space and equipment, telephone facilities, processing shareholder transactions and providing any other shareholder services not otherwise provided by the Company’s transfer agent; (c) costs relating to the formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities, including, but not limited to, direct mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (d) costs of printing and distributing prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports relating to the Class A Shares to prospective shareholders of the Class A Shares; (e) costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales literature pertaining to the Class A Shares; and (f) costs involved in obtaining whatever information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities that the Service Organization may, from time to time, deem advisable.

The compensation paid to Service Organizations with respect to Shareholder Services will compensate Service Organizations for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, including but not limited to (a) responding to inquiries of customers or clients of the Service Organization who beneficially own Class A Shares (“Customers”), (b) providing information on Customer investments and (c) providing other shareholder liaison services.

The compensation paid to Service Organizations with respect to Administrative Services will compensate Service Organizations for administrative and accounting services to their Customers, including, but not limited to: (a) aggregating and processing purchase and redemption requests from Customers and placing net purchase and redemption orders with the Company’s distributor or transfer agent; (b) providing Customers with a service that invests the assets of their accounts in the Class A Shares; (c) processing dividend payments from the Class A Shares on behalf of Customers; (d) providing information periodically to Customers showing their positions in the Class A Shares; (e) arranging for bank wires; (f) providing sub-accounting with respect to Class A Shares beneficially owned by Customers or the information to the Company necessary for sub-accounting; (g) forwarding shareholder communications from the Company (for example, proxies, shareholder reports, annual and semi-annual financial statements and dividend, distribution and tax notices related to the Class A Shares) to Customers, if required by law; and (h) providing other similar services to the extent permitted under applicable statutes, rules and regulations.

3. This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together with any related agreements, by votes of a majority of both (a) the Board of Directors of the Company and (b) those directors of the Company who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the Act) and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it (the “Rule 12b-1 Directors”), cast in person at a meeting (or meetings) called for the purpose of voting on this Plan and such related agreements.

 

-2-


4. This Plan shall continue in effect until [August 16, 2008]. Thereafter, this Plan shall continue in effect for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided for approval of this Plan in paragraph 3.

5. The Distributor shall provide to the Board of Directors of the Company and the Board of Directors shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, including commissions, advertising, printing, interest, carrying charges and allocated overhead expenses.

6. This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Directors, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares.

7. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of compensation provided for in paragraph 1 hereof unless such amendment is approved by a vote of at least a majority (as defined in the Act) of the outstanding Class A Shares, and no material amendment to the Plan of any kind, including an amendment which would increase materially the amount of compensation, shall be made unless approved in the manner provided for in paragraph 3 hereof.

8. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Directors who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Company shall be committed to the discretion of the then current Directors who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Company.

9. The Company shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to paragraph 5 hereof for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the agreements or such reports, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

Approved: February 14, 2008

 

-3-

Exhibit (n)(1)

AMENDED RULE 18f-3 PLAN

1. A portfolio of the RBB Fund, Inc. (“Portfolio”) may issue more than one class of voting stock (“Class”), provided that:

(a) Each such Class:

(1)(i) Shall have a different arrangement for shareholder services or the distribution of securities or both, and shall pay all of the expenses of that arrangement; and

(ii) May pay a different share of other expenses, not including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio’s assets, if those expenses are actually incurred in a different amount by that Class, or if the Class receives services of a different kind or to a different degree than other Classes;

(2) Shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement;

(3) Shall have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one Class differ from the interests of any other Class; and

(4) Shall have in all other respects the same rights and obligations as each other class.

(b) Expenses may be waived or reimbursed by the Portfolio’s adviser, underwriter, or any other provider of services to the Portfolio.

(c)(1) Any payments made under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan (the “Plan”) shall conform to Appendix A to this Plan, as such Appendix A shall be amended from time to time by the Board.

(2) Before any vote on the Plan or Appendix A, the Directors shall be provided, and any agreement relating to a Class arrangement shall require the parties thereto to furnish, such information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the Plan.

(3) The provisions of the Plan in Appendix A are severable for each Class, and whenever any action is to be taken with respect to the Plan in Appendix A, that action will be taken separately for each Class.

(d) A Portfolio may offer a Class with an exchange privilege providing that securities of the Class may be exchanged for certain securities of another Portfolio. Such exchange privileges are summarized in Appendix B, as may be modified by the Board from time to time, and are set forth in greater detail in the prospectuses of each of the Classes.


Appendix A

RBB FUND

Current Distribution Fee Levels

February, 2008

 

A. Money Market Portfolio

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Sansom Street (Class I)

   fee 0.20%   4/10/91
 

Shareholder Service Fee

   0.10%   8/16/88
2.  

Bedford (Class L)

   fee 0.65%   11/17/94

 

B. Robeco Boston Partners Large Cap Value Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class QQ)

   None   5/29/98
2.  

Advisor Class

(Class SS)

   fee 0.50%   10/16/96
3.  

Investor Class

(Class RR)

   fee 0.25%   10/16/96

 

C. Robeco Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Investor Class

(Class TT)

   fee 0.25%   6/1/97
2.  

Institutional Class

(Class UU)

   None   5/29/98


D. Robeco Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class VV)

   None   7/01/02
2.  

Investor Class

(Class WW)

   fee 0.25%   7/01/02

 

E. Robeco Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Fund)

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class DDD)

   None   7/01/98
2.  

Investor Class

(Class EEE)

   fee 0.25%   7/01/98

 

F. Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Equity (formerly Market Neutral Fund)

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class III)

   None   8/31/99
2.  

Investor Class

(Class JJJ)

   fee 0.25%   8/31/99

 

G. Schneider Capital Management Small Cap Value Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
   Effective
Date
1.  

Investor Class

(Class YY)

   None    4/6/98

 

H. Schneider Capital Management Value Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
   Effective
Date
1.  

Investor Class

(Class PPP)

   None    10/01/02


I. Bogle Small Cap Growth Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class NNN)

   None   9/15/99
2.  

Investor

(Class OOO)

   Shareholder service fee
0.25%
  9/15/99

 

J. Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class TTT)

   Shareholder service fee

0.25%

  3/09/05
2.  

Retirement Class

(Class SSS)

   Shareholder service fee
0.10%
  3/09/05
3.  

Investor Class

(Class XXX)

   12b-1 fee 0.25%   11/26/05

 

K. Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund (formerly Tudor Fund)

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class UUU)

   Shareholder service fee

0.25%

  3/09/05

 

L. Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund (formerly Large Cap Growth Fund)

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class VVV)

   Shareholder service fee

0.25%

  3/09/05
2.  

Investor Class

(Class EEEE)

   12b-1 fee

0.25%

  5/24/07


M. Senbanc Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Investor Class

(Class WWW)

   12b-1 fee

0.60%

  9/02/05

 

N. SAM Sustainable Climate Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class KKKK)

   None   7/03/07
2.  

Investor Class

(Class JJJJ)

   12b-1fee

0.25%

  7/03/07
3.  

Class A

(Class LLLL)

   12b-1fee

0.25%

  7/03/07
4.  

Class C

(Class MMMM)

   12b-1fee

0.75%

  7/03/07

 

O. SAM Sustainable Water Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Institutional Class

(Class GGGG)

   None   7/03/07
2.  

Investor Class

(Class FFFF)

   12b-1fee

0.25%

  7/03/07
3.  

Class A

(Class HHHH)

   12b-1fee

0.25%

  7/03/07
4.  

Class C

(Class IIII)

   12b-1fee

0.75%

  7/03/07

 

P. Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 U.S. Core Equity Fund

 

   

Class

   Current
Distribution

Fee Level
  Effective
Date
1.  

Class A

(Class NNNN)

   12b-1 fee

0.25%

  11/15/07
2.  

Class I

(Class OOOO)

   None   11/15/07


APPENDIX B

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES OF THE PORTFOLIOS

OF THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

FAMILY

  

Each Portfolio (Class)

  

May Be Exchanged For Any of

Robeco Boston Partners (Institutional Classes)   

Mid Cap Value (TT)

Large Cap Value (QQ)

All-Cap Value (VV)

Small Cap Value II (DDD)

Long/Short Equity (III)

  

Robeco Boston Partners :

 

Mid Cap Value (TT)

Large Cap Value (QQ)

All-Cap Value (VV)

Small Cap Value II (DDD)

Long/Short Equity (III)

     

Robeco WPG :

 

Core Bond (TTT)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (VVV)

Small Cap Value Fund (formerly, Tudor) (UUU)

     

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (GGGG)

Sustainable Climate (KKKK)

Robeco Boston Partners (Investor Classes)   

Mid Cap Value (UU)

Large Cap Value (RR)

All-Cap Value (WW)

Small Cap Value II (EEE)

Long/Short Equity (JJJ)

Fund

  

Robeco Boston Partners :

 

Mid Cap Value (UU)

Large Cap Value (RR)

All-Cap Value (WW)

Small Cap Value II (EEE)

Long/Short Equity (JJJ)

Fund

     

Robeco WPG :

 

Core Bond (XXX)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (EEEE)

     

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (FFFF)

Sustainable Climate (JJJJ)


FAMILY

  

Each Portfolio (Class)

  

May Be Exchanged For Any of

Robeco WPG (Institutional Classes)   

Core Bond (TTT)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (VVV)

Small Cap Value Fund (formerly, Tudor) (UUU)

  

Robeco Boston Partners :

 

Mid Cap Value (TT)

Large Cap Value (QQ)

All-Cap Value (VV)

Small Cap Value II (DDD)

Long/Short Equity (III)

     

Robeco WPG :

 

Core Bond (TTT)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (VVV)

Small Cap Value Fund (formerly, Tudor ) (UUU)

     

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (GGGG)

Sustainable Climate (KKKK)

Robeco WPG (Investor Classes)   

Core Bond (XXX)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (EEEE)

  

Robeco Boston Partners :

 

Mid Cap Value (UU)

Large Cap Value (RR)

All-Cap Value (WW)

Small Cap Value II (EEE)

Long/Short Equity (JJJ)

Fund

     

Robeco WPG :

 

Core Bond (XXX)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (EEEE)

     

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (FFFF)

Sustainable Climate (JJJJ)


FAMILY

  

Each Portfolio (Class)

  

May Be Exchanged For Any of

SAM (Investor Classes)   

Sustainable Water (FFFF)

Sustainable Climate (JJJJ)

  

Robeco Boston Partners :

 

Mid Cap Value (UU)

Large Cap Value (RR)

All-Cap Value (WW)

Small Cap Value II (EEE)

Long/Short Equity (JJJ)

Fund

     

Robeco WPG :

 

Core Bond (XXX)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (EEEE)

     

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (FFFF)

Sustainable Climate (JJJJ)

SAM (Institutional Classes)   

Sustainable Water (GGGG)

Sustainable Climate (KKKK)

  

Robeco Boston Partners :

 

Mid Cap Value (TT)

Large Cap Value (QQ)

All-Cap Value (VV)

Small Cap Value II (DDD)

Long/Short Equity (III)

     

Robeco WPG :

 

Core Bond (TTT)

130/30 Large Cap Core (formerly, Large Cap Growth) (VVV)

Small Cap Value Fund (formerly, Tudor) (UUU)

     

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (GGGG)

Sustainable Climate (KKKK)

SAM (Class A)   

Sustainable Water (HHHH)

Sustainable Climate (LLLL)

  

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (HHHH)

Sustainable Climate (LLLL)

SAM (Class C)   

Sustainable Water (IIII)

Sustainable Climate (MMMM)

  

SAM:

 

Sustainable Water (IIII)

Sustainable Climate (MMMM)

 

* During periods when these Portfolios are closed they are not eligible for exchange.

Exhibit (p)(4)

CODE OF ETHICS

OF

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

 

I. PREAMBLE

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) is being adopted in compliance with the requirements of Sections 204A and 206 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and Rules 204-2 and 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, to effectuate the purposes and objectives of those provisions of the Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Section 204A of the Advisers Act requires the establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information by investment advisers. Rule 204A-1 requires advisers to establish, maintain and enforce a written code of ethics. Rule 204-2 imposes record keeping requirements with respect to personal securities transactions of access persons (defined below). Section 206 of the Advisers Act makes it unlawful for certain persons including Schneider Capital Management (the “Firm”):

 

  1. To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client or prospective client;

 

  2. To engage in any transaction, practice or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any client or prospective client;

 

  3. Acting as principal for his own account, knowingly to sell any security to or purchase any security from a client; or acting as broker for a person other than such client, knowingly to effect any sale or purchase of any security for the account of such client, without disclosing to such client in writing before the completion of such transaction, the capacity in which he is acting and obtaining the consent of the client to such transaction. The prohibitions of this paragraph (3) shall not apply to any transaction with a customer of a broker or dealer if such broker or dealer is not acting as an investment adviser in relation to such transaction; or

 

  4. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which is fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative.

Similarly, Rule 17j-1(b) of the Investment Company Act makes it unlawful for any affiliated person of the investment adviser of an investment company in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by such person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by the investment company:

(1) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the investment company;


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(2) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to the investment company or to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to the investment company, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

(3) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on the investment company; or

(4) to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the investment company.

This Code contains provisions reasonably necessary to prevent persons from engaging in acts in violation of the above standards and contains procedures reasonably necessary to prevent violations of the Code.

 

  A. Standard of Conduct

The Firm is committed to ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of the conduct of our business. The fulfillment of our fiduciary duties to our clients is paramount, and will not be compromised for financial or other goals. All employees are required to comply with the federal securities laws, other applicable laws and regulations, and the Firm’s compliance policies and procedures. Employees who fail to meet these requirements are subject to disciplinary action by the Firm.

The Firm and its employees have a duty of loyalty to our clients. This duty requires that we: act for the benefit of clients; avoid conflicts of interest, or if unavoidable, disclose the conflict and obtain client consent; deal honestly, fairly and in good faith with clients; avoid intentional misconduct; and refrain from competing with or seizing opportunities of our clients. In furtherance of our duty to our clients, it is our goal to provide disinterested, impartial advice.

The Firm and its employees also have a duty of care to our clients. This duty requires that we use care to manage investments prudently, reflecting the high level of skills possessed by the employees of the Firm, and consider suitability in light of the respective client’s investment purpose and restrictions, among other relevant considerations.

Each employee of the Firm has a duty to prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information, which includes a complete prohibition against the misuse of material nonpublic information about the Firm’s securities recommendations and client securities holdings and transactions.

No set of rules can possibly anticipate all the potential trading conflicts of interest between clients and personnel. Any situation subject to interpretation should be decided in favor of the protection of the best interests of the clients. For instance, it would be unethical to execute a personal trade in a security if the person knew or had reason to know that a substantial order in

 

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the security in question was likely to be implemented for a client in the foreseeable future, even though to execute the personal trade would be within the letter of the law.

This Code of Ethics is adopted by the Board of Directors of the Firm. In summary, this Code is based upon the principle that the directors and officers of the Firm, and certain affiliated persons of the Firm, owe a fiduciary duty to, among others, the clients of the Firm to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such manner to avoid (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients; (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with the Firm; and (iii) engaging in any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuses of their position of trust and responsibility. This fiduciary duty includes the duty of the Personal Trading Compliance officer and Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm to report violations of this Code of Ethics to the Firm’s Board of Directors. All violations of this Code of Ethics are required to be reported promptly to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm.

 

  B. Gift and Entertainment Policy

Employees of the Firm that direct trades on behalf of clients, or who are in the position to request or influence the selection of specific broker-dealers for client trade execution for the purposes of generating commissions as compensation for fulfilling any soft dollar obligations, which includes third party and proprietary research, shall base all such decisions on objective business criteria and shall not accept gifts or entertainment that is intended or could reasonably be perceived to be intended as an improper quid pro quo or that could otherwise give rise to a potential conflict of interest with our clients.

To prevent any improprieties that may arise when an employee receives gifts or entertainment, the Firm has established the following guidelines:

(1) No employee shall accept any gift, gratuity, investment opportunity, or similar item (“Gift”) or accumulation of Gifts over any one year period of more than de minimis value ($100 or more) from any employee or employees of any one broker-dealer, vendor, news source, financial information provider or other existing or potential business contacts (a “Trading or Service Provider”) that is compensated either directly or indirectly by trade flow of the Firm. Gifts of cash or its equivalent (including gift certificates, if they are redeemable in full or in part for cash) are not permitted.

In recognition of commonly-encountered situations, the following gifts would be exempt from the $100 limitation:

 

   

Wedding gifts, baby gifts and similar personal gifts : If based on a pre-existing personal relationship and if not paid for by the gift-givers firm;

 

   

Promotional Items : Items such as pens, notepads, and other logo-stamped trinkets of de minimis value; However, promotional items valued near or above $100 shall be counted, such as expensive leather luggage or crystal – even if stamped with the firm’s logo; and

 

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Deal toys : Decorative items given to commemorate a transaction need not be counted even if above $100. However, lavish, excessive or overly generous items such as bikes or elaborate electronic equipment shall be subject to the $100 limit.

(2) Employees may accept business entertainment from a Trading or Service Provider provided it is appropriate, reasonable and customary and is hosted by the person providing the entertainment. Otherwise, it will be considered a gift subject to the $100 per year limit. Examples of acceptable business entertainment include an occasional dinner, ticket to a sporting event or the theater, or comparable entertainment which is neither so frequent nor so extensive as to raise any question of propriety and is not preconditioned on a business commitment.

(3) No employee shall solicit a gift, entertainment, or preferred treatment for personal benefit from any Trading or Service Provider;

(4) Employees shall record all gifts and entertainment accepted from a Trading or Service Provider in a Gift & Entertainment Log (See Exhibit F). The employee shall document the date of receipt or attendance, the name of the Trading or Service Provider and the person giving the gift or providing the entertainment, a brief description of the gift or entertainment, and a general determination of whether the gift or entertainment was over $100 in value. Any breakfast or lunch provided by a Trading or Service Provider that coincides with a meeting at the Firm during regular business hours are excluded from any Gift & Entertainment Log record keeping requirements.

(5) Employees may only give gifts or provide business entertainment that is appropriate, reasonable and customary. Extravagant or excessive gifts or entertainment are prohibited. Gifts and business entertainment offered by the firm shall be for the sole purpose of creating goodwill and not as a means of influencing an advisory contract decision. Any gift or business entertainment of more than $100 in value intended to be given or provided to any existing or prospective client or the client’s consultant shall be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer. Employees shall fully, fairly and accurately account on the books and records of the Firm for any expenses associated with a gift or entertainment.

 

  C. Political Contributions

The Firm forbids any officer, director or employee from making political contribution either personally or in the name of the Firm for the purpose of obtaining or retaining an advisory contract with a government entity.

To avoid any appearance of “pay-to-play” activity, no political contributions shall be made in the name of the Firm. Additionally, if the Firm is currently providing, soliciting or contemplating pursuing an advisory contract with a specific government entity, no employee shall make a contribution to any state treasurer, state comptroller, or other government official, including an incumbent or candidate for elective office that is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of such a selection or retention of the Firm. An exception is

 

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granted to allow employees to make a de mininis contribution (up to $250) to a candidate for whom they can vote. Employees cannot receive reimbursement from the Firm for any political contribution expense. Certain employees of the Firm may be asked to certify and report political contributions to any person who is directly or indirectly responsible for, or can influence the outcome of the selection (if currently pursing a contract) or retention of the Firm for purposes of monitoring adherence to this policy. Such reporting would generally include only the name of the candidate, the position, and if the contribution was in excess $250.

 

II. POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING

The Firm forbids any officer, director or employee from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, including accounts managed by the Firm, on material nonpublic information or communicating material nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as “insider trading.” The Firm’s policy applies to every officer, director and employee and extends to activities within and outside their duties at the Firm. Any questions regarding the Firm’s policy and procedures should be referred to the Chief Compliance Officer.

The Term “insider trading” is not defined in the federal securities laws, but generally is used to refer to the use of material nonpublic information to trade in securities (whether or not one is an “insider”) or to communications of material nonpublic information to others. The “manipulative and deceptive devices” prohibited by Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, include the purchase or sale of a security of any issuer, on the basis of material nonpublic information about that security or issuer, in breach of a duty of trust or confidence that is owed directly, indirectly, or derivatively, to the issuer of that security or the shareholders of that issuer, or to any other person who is the source of the material nonpublic information.

While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is generally understood that the law prohibits:

 

  1. trading by an insider, while in possession of material nonpublic information, or

 

  2. trading by a non-insider, while in possession of material nonpublic information, where the information either was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider’s duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated, or

 

  3. communicating material nonpublic information to others.

The concept of “insider” is broad. It includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a “temporary insider” if he or she enters into a special confidential relationship in the conduct of a company’s affairs and as a result is given access to information solely for the company’s purposes. A temporary insider can include, among others,

 

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a company’s attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, and the employees of such organizations. In addition, an employee of the Firm may become a temporary insider of a company he or she advises or for which he or she performs other services. For that to occur, the company must expect the Firm employee to keep the disclosed nonpublic information confidential and the relationship must at least imply such a duty before the Firm employee will be considered an insider.

Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information is material. “Material information” generally is defined as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company’s securities. Information that officers, directors and employees should consider material includes, but is not limited to, dividend changes, earnings estimates, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.

Information is nonpublic until it has been effectively communicated to the market place. One must be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally public. For example, information found in a report filed with the SEC, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Services , The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation would be considered public.

Penalties for trading on or communicating material nonpublic information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties below even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation. The penalties include:

 

   

civil damages

 

   

treble damages

 

   

jail sentences

 

   

fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited: and fines for the employers or other controlling persons of up to the greater of $1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided.

Any violation of this Insider Trading Policy can be expected to result in serious sanctions by the Firm, including dismissal of the persons involved.

Before trading for yourself or others in the securities of a company about which you may have potential inside information, ask yourself the following questions:

 

  1. Is the information material? Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions? Is this information that would substantially effect the market price of the securities if generally disclosed?

 

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  2. Is the information nonpublic? To whom has this information been provided? Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace?

If, after consideration of the above, you believe that the information is material and nonpublic, or if you have questions as to whether the information is material and nonpublic, you should take the following steps.

 

  1. Report the matter immediately to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

  2. Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others.

 

  3. Do not communicate the information inside or outside the Firm, other than to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

  4. Upon a determination by the Chief Compliance Officer that the information is material and nonpublic, instructions will be issued promptly to:

(a) halt temporarily all trading by the Firm in the security or securities of the pertinent issuer and all recommendations of such security or securities;

(b) ascertain the validity and non-public nature of the information with the issuer of the securities;

(c) request the issuer or other appropriate parties to disseminate the information promptly to the public, if the information is valid and non-public; or

(d) in the event the information is not publicly disseminated, consult counsel and request advice as to what further steps should be taken, including possible publication by the Firm of the information, before transactions or recommendations in the securities are resumed.

 

  5. Upon a determination by the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer that the information is public or not material, you will be allowed to trade and communicate the information.

Information in your possession that you identify as material and nonpublic may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within the Firm, except as provided above. In addition, care should be taken so that such information is secure. For example, files containing material nonpublic information should be sealed; access to computer files containing material nonpublic information should be restricted.

 

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Investment decisions made by the Firm may not be disclosed to anyone other than Firm clients, including a spouse or other relative or a social or business acquaintance.

The role of the Chief Compliance Officer and the Personal Trading Compliance Officer is critical to the implementation and maintenance of the Firm’s policy and procedures against insider trading. The Firms’ Supervisory Procedures can be divided into two classifications - prevention of insider trading and detection of insider trading.

To prevent insider trading, the Firm will:

 

  1. provide, on a regular basis, an education program to familiarize officers, directors and employees with the Firm’s policy and procedures, and

 

  2. when it has been determined that an officer, director or employee of the Firm has material nonpublic information,

 

  a) implement measures to prevent dissemination of such information, and

 

  b) if necessary, restrict officers, directors and employees from trading the securities.

To detect insider trading, the Personal Trading Compliance Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer will:

 

  1. review the trading activity reports filed by each officer, director and employee, and

 

  2. review the trading activity of accounts managed by the Firm.

 

III. DEFINITIONS

 

  A. “Access Person” means any of the Firm’s supervised persons, including any temporary employee, who has access to nonpublic information regarding any client’s purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any “reportable fund”, or who is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to recommendations that are nonpublic. A “reportable fund” is any fund for which the Firm serves as investment adviser, or any fund whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls the Firm, is controlled by the Firm, or is under common control with the Firm. All of the Firm’s directors and officers are access persons.

 

  B.

“Advisory Person” means (a) any employee of the Firm (or any company in a control relationship to the Firm) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, normally makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities (as defined below) by the

 

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Firm on behalf of its Clients (as defined below), or whose function relates to making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (b) any natural person in a control relationship to the Firm who obtains information concerning recommendations made to a Client with regard to the purchase or sale of a security by the Firm on behalf of its Clients.

 

  C. “Automatic investment plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An automatic investment plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.

 

  D. A security is “being considered for purchase or sale” or is “being purchased or sold” when a recommendation to purchase or sell the security has been made and communicated, which includes when the Firm has a pending “buy” or “sell” order with respect to a security, and, with respect to the person making the recommendation, when such person is seriously considering making such a recommendation. “Purchase or sale of a Covered Security” includes the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Covered Security.

 

  E. “Beneficial ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally speaking, beneficial ownership encompasses those situations where the beneficial owner has the right to enjoy some economic benefit from the ownership of the security. A person is normally regarded as the beneficial owner of securities held in the name of his or her spouse or minor children living in his or her household. Reports required by this Code may contain a statement that the report will not be construed as an admission that the person making the report has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.

 

  F. “Client” includes both private accounts managed by the Firm and Investment Companies as defined below.

 

  G. “Control” shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 202(a) (12) of the Advisers Act and 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act. These sections generally provide that “control” means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company.

 

  H.

“Covered Security” means a security as defined in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act and Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, except that it shall not include direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments (any instrument that has a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and is rated in one of the two highest categories by a

 

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nationally recognized statistical rating organization) including repurchase agreements, shares issued by money market funds, and shares issued by open-end investment companies other than reportable funds, and shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, unless the adviser or a control affiliate acts as the investment adviser or principal underwriter for the fund. An Exchange Traded Fund (ETF’s) is considered a Covered Security.

 

  I. “Federal securities laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under any of these statues, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to investment companies and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury.

 

  J. “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act.

 

  K. “Investment Company” means a company registered as such under the Investment Company Act or any series thereof for which the Firm is the adviser or sub-adviser.

 

  L. “Investment Personnel” means (a) any Portfolio Manager of the firm as defined below; or (b) any employee of the Firm (or any company in a control relationship to the Firm) who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Firm on behalf of its Clients; or (c) any natural person who controls the Firm and who obtains information concerning recommendations made by the Firm on behalf of its Clients regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Firm on behalf of its Clients.

 

  M. “Limited Offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505 or Rule 506 under the Securities Act.

 

  N. “Portfolio Manager” means an employee of the Firm entrusted with the direct responsibility and authority to make investment decisions.

 

  O. A “Security Held or to be Acquired” by the Firm on behalf of a Client means: (i) any Covered Security which within the most recent 7 days: (a) is or has been held by a Client; or (b) is being or has been considered by the Firm for purchase by the Firm on behalf of a Client; and (ii) any option to purchase or sell and any security convertible into or exchangeable for a Covered Security described above.

 

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IV. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

The prohibitions set forth below shall apply to Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers.

 

  1. No person shall engage in any act, practice or course of conduct, which would violate the provisions of Section 206 and Rule 17j-1 set forth above.

 

  2. No person shall:

 

  a) purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Covered Security in which he or she has or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership and which to his or her actual knowledge at the time of such purchase or sale:

 

  (1) is being considered for purchase or sale by the Firm on behalf of any Client, or

 

  (2) is being purchased or sold by the Firm on behalf of any Client.

 

  b) No person shall reveal to any other person (except in the normal course of his or her duties on behalf of a Client) any information regarding securities transactions by a Client or consideration by a Client or the Adviser of any such securities transaction.

 

  c) No person shall, in the absence of prior approval by the Compliance Officer, sell any Covered Security that was purchased, or purchase a Covered Security that was sold, within the prior 60 calendar days. A form for pre-approval is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

 

  d) No person shall acquire any securities in an Initial Public Offering;

 

  e) No person shall purchase any securities in a Limited Offering, without prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm or other officer designated by the Board of Directors. Any person authorized to purchase securities in a private placement shall disclose that investment when they play a part in any subsequent consideration by the Firm of an investment in the issuer. In such circumstances, the Firm’s decision to purchase securities of the issuer shall be subject to the independent review by Investment Personnel with no personal interest in the issuer. A record of any decision and the reason supporting the decision to approve the acquisition by Access Persons of a Limited Offering shall be maintained as described below.

 

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  f) No person shall serve on the board of directors of any publicly traded company or membership in an investment organization without prior authorization of the President or other duly authorized officer of the Firm. Any such authorization shall be based upon a determination that the board service would be consistent with the interests of the Firm’s Clients. Authorization of board service shall be subject to the implementation by the Firm of “Chinese Wall” or other procedures to isolate such Investment Personnel from the Investment Personnel making decision about trading in that company’s securities. Certain employees of the Firm shall disclose any board positions(including charitable organizations or other non-profit organizations) on an annual basis.

 

 

g)

No person shall buy or sell a Covered Security within seven (7) calendar days before and after any Client of the Firm trades in that security if the Covered Security was being considered for purchase or sale at the time of the person’s transaction. For purposes of counting the days, the last trade date by the firm is counted as day one (1). (Example: last trade by Firm was executed on May 1; personal trade may be executed on May 8 th ). Any trades made within the proscribed period shall be unwound, if possible. Otherwise, any profits realized on trades within the proscribed period may be required shall be disgorged to the appropriate Client portfolio(s).

The Personal Trading Compliance Officer of the Firm shall identify all persons who are considered to be Access Persons, Investment Personnel and Portfolio Managers and shall notify and inform such persons of their respective obligations under this Code, and shall deliver a copy of this Code of Ethics and any amendments to each such person. Each person shall acknowledge, in writing, his or her receipt of the Code and any amendments.

 

V. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS

 

  A. The prohibitions of Section IV shall not apply to:

 

  1. purchases or sales effected for, or held in, in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control;

 

  2. purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or the Firm;

 

  3. purchases which are part of an automatic investment plan, including an automatic dividend reinvestment plan;

 

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  4. purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired;

 

  5. purchases or sales of securities which are not related economically to securities purchased, sold or held by the Firm;

 

  6. transactions which appear upon reasonable inquiry and investigation to present no reasonable likelihood of harm to the Firm’s Clients and which are otherwise in accordance with this Code, Section 206 of the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act; for example, such transactions would normally include

 

   

purchases or sales by a Person of up to 1,000 shares of a security which is being considered for purchase or sale by the Firm (but not then being purchased or sold) if the issuer has a market capitalization of over $1 billion;

 

   

or if the security being considered for purchase or sale by the Firm (but not then being purchased or sold) is less than one percent of the average weekly reported volume of trading in such securities on all national securities exchanges and/or reported through the automated quotation system of a registered securities association, during the four calendar weeks prior to the individual’s personal securities transaction; and

 

   

or the purchase or sale by the Firm is less than 1000 shares or less than $25,000 of an issuer with a market capitalization of over $1 billion (generally following portfolio rebalancing from cashflows) and all client orders have been executed or withdrawn.

 

VI. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

 

  A. Pre-clearance

 

  1. All Access Persons shall receive prior written approval from the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of the Firm, or other officer designated by the Board of Directors before purchasing or selling Covered Securities (See Exhibit E). Any approval is valid only for one day after authorization is received. If an Access Person is unable to effect the securities transaction during such period, he or she must re-obtain approval prior to effecting the securities transaction. The Personal Trading Compliance Officer shall receive pre-approval from the Chief Compliance Officer or Senior Trader before purchasing or selling Covered Securities.

The Personal Trading Compliance Officer will decide whether to approve a personal securities transaction for an Access Person after considering the specific restrictions and limitations set forth in, and the spirit of, this Code

 

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of Ethics, including whether the security at issue is being considered for purchase or sale for a Client. The Personal Trading Compliance Officer is not required to give any explanation for refusing to approve a securities transaction.

 

  2. Purchases or sales of Covered Securities which are not eligible for purchase or sale by the Firm or any Client of the Firm that serves as the basis of the individual’s “Access Person” status shall be entitled to clearance automatically from the Personal Trading Compliance Officer.

 

  B. Disclosure of Personal Holdings

 

  1. Within 10 days after initially becoming an Access Person and between January 1 and January 30 of each calendar year, all Access Persons shall disclose to the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of the Firm (a) the title and type of Security, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares and principal amount of each Covered Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership (b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person; and (c) the date the Access Person submits the report. Information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted. The initial holdings report shall be made on the form attached as Exhibit A and the annual holdings report shall be made on the form attached as Exhibit B. Such reports shall be delivered to the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of the Firm. An Access Person shall not be required to make a report with respect to transactions effected for, and Covered Securities held in, any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence.

 

  C. Certification of Compliance with Code of Ethics

 

  1. Every Access Person shall certify annually that:

 

  a) they have read and understand the Code of Ethics; and

 

  b) they have complied with the requirements of the Code of Ethics; and

 

  c) they have reported all personal securities transactions and beneficial holdings in Covered Securities required to be reported pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Ethics.

 

  2. The annual report shall be made on the form attached as Exhibit B and delivered to the Personal Trading Compliance Officers of the Firm.

 

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Effective 12-12-07 Version #5

 

  D. Quarterly Reporting Requirements

 

  1. Every Access Person shall report to the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of the Firm the information described in Sub-paragraph (D)(2) of this Section with respect to transactions in any security in which such person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires or disposes of, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in a Covered Security; provided, however, that an Access Person shall not be required to make a report with respect to transitions effected for, and Covered Securities held in, any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence.

 

  2. Reports required to be made under this Paragraph (D) shall be made not later than 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected. Every Access Person shall be required to submit a report for all periods, including those periods in which no securities transactions were effected. A report shall be made on the form attached hereto as Exhibit C or on any other form containing the following information:

 

  a) the date of the transaction, the title, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), class and the number of shares, and the principal amount of each Covered Security involved;

 

  b) the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchases, sales or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

 

  c) the price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected;

 

  d) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected;

 

  e) the date that the report was submitted by the Access Person; and

 

  f) with respect to any account established by an Access Person in which any securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:

(i) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; (ii) the date the account was established; and (iii) the date that the report was submitted by the Access Person.

 

  3. Any such report may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.

 

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Effective 12-12-07 Version #5

 

  4. Every Access Person shall direct their brokers to supply to the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of the Firm, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of the confirmation of all personal securities transactions and copies of all periodic statements for all securities transactions that were effected. Every Access Person shall submit the report referred to in Section VI(D)(2). Notwithstanding Section VI(D)(2) of the Code an Access Person need not make a quarterly transaction report where the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements received by the Firm in the time period required herein if all of the information required by Section VI(D)(2) is contained in such confirmation or account statements.

 

  E. Miscellaneous

 

  1. Reports submitted to the Personal Compliance Officer of the Firm pursuant to this Code of Ethics shall be confidential and shall be provided only to the Chief Compliance Officer, and directors of the Firm, counsel or regulatory authorities upon appropriate request.

 

  2. These reporting requirements shall apply whether or not one of the exemptions listed in Section V applies except that an Access Person shall not be required to make a report with respect to securities transactions effected for, and any Covered Securities held in, any account over which such Access Person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control, or transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan.

 

  F. Conflict of Interest

 

  1. Every Access Person shall notify the Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve the Firm’s Clients such as the existence of any economic relationship between their transactions and securities held or to be acquired by any Client of the Firm. Such notification shall occur in the pre-clearance process.

 

VII.  REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

  A. The Personal Trading Compliance Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer shall be responsible for the review of the quarterly transaction reports, the initial holdings reports and annual holdings reports required under Section VI of this Code of Ethics. In connection with the review of these reports, the Personal Trading Compliance Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer shall take appropriate measures to determine whether each Access Person has complied with the provisions of this Code of Ethics. The Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm shall prepare an annual report relating to this Code of Ethics to the Board of Directors of the Firm and each Investment Company as requested. Such annual report shall:

 

  1. describe any issues arising under the Code since the last report including, but not limited to information about material violations of the Code and sanctions imposed in response to material violations;

 

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Effective 12-12-07 Version #5

 

  2. summarize existing procedures concerning personal investing and any changes in the procedures made during the past year;

 

  3. identify any recommended changes in the existing restrictions or procedures based upon the Firm’s experience under its Code of Ethics, evolving industry practices or developments in applicable laws or regulations; and

 

  4. certify to the Board of Trustees/Directors that the Firm has adopted procedures that are reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating this Code of Ethics.

 

VIII.  SANCTIONS

 

  A. Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Board of Directors may impose such sanctions as they deem appropriate, including, among other things, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of the employment of the violator. In addition, as part of any sanction, the Firm may require the Access Person or other individual involved to reverse the trade(s) at issue and forfeit any profit or absorb any loss from the trade.

 

IX.  RETENTION OF RECORDS

 

  A. This Code of Ethics, a record of all persons, currently or within the past five years, who are or were required to make reports, a record of all persons, currently or within the past five years, who are or were responsible for reviewing reports, a copy of each initial holdings, annual holdings and quarterly transaction report (including any brokerage confirmation or account statements provided in lieu of the reports) made by an Access Person hereunder, a copy of each board report made pursuant to Section VII, a record of any decision and the reason supporting the decision to approve the acquisition by Investment Personnel of Limited Offerings; each memorandum made by the Personal Trading Compliance Officer or Chief Compliance Officer of the Firm hereunder and a record of any violation hereof and any action taken as a result of such violation, shall be maintained by the Firm as required by the Advisers and the Investment Company Act, including as required by Rules 204-2(a)(12) and 204-2(a)(13) under the Advisers Act.

 

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Effective 12-12-07 Version #5

 

X. EXCEPTIONS TO THE CODE

Although exceptions to the Code will rarely, if ever, be granted, the Chief Compliance Officer may make exceptions on a case by case basis, from any of the provisions of this Code, upon a determination that the conduct at issue involves a negligible opportunity for abuse or otherwise merits an exception from the Code. No waiver of compliance with any Code provision required by Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act will be granted . All such exceptions must be received in writing by the person requesting the exception before becoming effective. The Chief Compliance Officer shall report any exception to the board of directors/trustees of any Investment Company with respect to which the exception applies at its next regularly scheduled Board meetings.

 

XI. APPROVAL OF CODE OF ETHICS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CODE OF ETHICS

The board of trustees/directors of each Investment Company shall approve this Code of Ethics. Any material amendments to this Code of Ethics must be approved by the board of trustees/directors of each Investment Company no later than six months after the adoption of the material change. Before their approval of this Code of Ethics and any material amendments hereto, the Firm shall provide a certification to the board of trustees/directors of each such Investment Company that the Firm has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code of Ethics.

Dated: February 1, 2005

 

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Exhibit A

1 of 2

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

CODE OF ETHICS

INITIAL REPORT

To the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of Schneider Capital Management:

 

  1. I hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Code of Ethics for Schneider Capital Management, Corporation, the (“Firm”).

 

  2. I have read and understand the Code and recognize that I am subject thereto in the capacity of an “Access Person.”

 

  3. Except as noted below, I hereby certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve Firm Clients, such as any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by the Firm Clients or any related portfolios.

 

  4. As of the date below, I have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the following Covered Securities which are required to be reported under the Firm’s Code of Ethics (see attached form) :

 

Title and type

of Security

   Number
of Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
        
        
        

The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom I maintain an account in which my Covered Securities are held for my direct or indirect benefit are as follows:

 

NAME OF

BROKER/BANK

   BROKER
BANK/ADDRESS
   DATE
ESTABLISHED
     
     
     

This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.

 

Date:         Signature:    
      Print Name:    


Exhibit A

2 of 2

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

CODE OF ETHICS

INITIAL REPORT

 

Title and type

of Security

   Number
of Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        


Exhibit B

1 of 2

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

CODE OF ETHICS

ANNUAL REPORT

To the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of Schneider Capital Management:

 

  1. I have read and understand the Code and recognize that I am subject thereto in the capacity of an “Access Person.”

 

  2. I hereby certify that, during the year ended              , 200__, I have complied with the requirements of the Code and I have reported all securities transactions and beneficial holdings, required to be reported pursuant to the Code.

 

  3. Except as noted below, I hereby certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve Firm Clients, such as any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by Firm Clients or any related portfolios.

 

  4. As of the date below, I have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the following Covered Securities which are required to be reported under the Firm’s Code of Ethics (see attached form) :

 

Title and type

of Security

   Number
of Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
        
        
        

The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom I maintain an account in which my securities are held for my direct or indirect benefit are as follows:

 

NAME OF

BROKER/BANK

   BROKER
BANK/ADDRESS
   DATE
ESTABLISHED
     
     
     

This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.

 

Date:         Signature:    
      Print Name:    


Exhibit B

2 of 2

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

CODE OF ETHICS

ANNUAL REPORT

 

Title and type

of Security

 

Number

of Shares

 

Principal

Amount

 

Exchange ticker

Symbol or CUSIP

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


Exhibit C

1 of 2

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Securities Transactions Report for the Calendar Quarter Ended: __________________________

To the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of Schneider Capital Management, Inc. (the “Firm”):

During the quarter referred to above, the following transactions were effected in securities of which I had, or by reason of such transaction acquired, direct or indirect beneficial ownership, and which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics adopted by the Firm (see attached form) .

 

Security

   Date of
Transaction
   Number of
Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Interest Rate
and Maturity
Date (if applicable)
   Nature of
Transaction
(Purchase,
Sale, Other)
   Price    Broker/Dealer
or Bank
Through Whom
Effected
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
                       
                       
                       

During the quarter referred to above, I established the following accounts in which securities were held during the quarter for my direct or indirect benefit:

 

NAME OF BROKER/BANK

   BROKER
BANK/ADDRESS
   DATE
ESTABLISHED
     
     
     

This report (i) excludes transaction with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.

Except as noted on the reverse side of this report, I hereby certify that I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by Firm Clients or any related portfolios.

NOTE : Do not report transactions in direct obligations of the U.S. Government, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments and shares issued by open-end investment companies.

 

Date:         Signature    
Print Name          
Title:          


Exhibit C

2 of 2

 

Security

   Date of
Transaction
   Number of
Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Interest Rate
and Maturity

Date (if Applicable
   Nature of
Transaction
(Purchase, Sale, Other)
   Price    Broker/Dealer
or Bank
Through Whom
Effected
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       


Exhibit D

1 of 3

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Securities Transactions Report Relating to Short Term Trading

For the Sixty Day Period from              to             

To the Personal Trading Compliance Officer of Schneider Capital Management, (the “Firm”):

During the 60 calendar day period referred to above, the following purchases and sales, or sales and purchases, of the same (or equivalent) securities are proposed to be effected in securities of which I have, or by reason of such transaction acquired, direct or indirect beneficial ownership (see attached form) .

 

Security

   Number of
Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Interest Rate
and Maturity
Date (if applicable)
   Nature of Transaction
(Purchase, Sale, Other)
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
              
              
              

This report (1) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (2) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (3) is not admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.

With respect to (1) portfolios of the Firm’s Clients that serve as the basis for my “investment personnel” status with the Firm; and (2) transactions in the securities set forth in the table above, I hereby certify that:

 

  a) I have no knowledge of the existence of any personal conflict of interest relationship which may involve Firm Clients, such as frontrunning transactions or the existence of any economic relationship between my transactions and securities held or to be acquired by Firm Clients;

 

  b) such securities, including securities that are economically related to such securities, involved in the transaction are not (i) being considered for purchase or sale by Firm Clients, or (ii) being purchased or sold by Firm Clients; and

 

  c) the transactions are in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the Firm.


Exhibit D

2 of 3

 

Date:         Signature    
      Print Name    
      Title:    

In accordance with the provisions of Section IV.A.2(c) of the Code of Ethics of the Firm, the transaction proposed to be effected as set for in this Report is:

Authorized:             [             ]

Unauthorized:         [             ]

 

Date:         Signature:    
        Compliance Officer


Exhibit D

3 of 3

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

 

Security

   Number of
Shares
   Principal
Amount
   Interest Rate and
Maturity Date (if
applicable)
   Nature of
Transaction

(Purchase, Sale,
Other)
   Exchange ticker
Symbol or CUSIP
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              


Exhibit E

1 of 1

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

PRE-CLEARANCE NOTIFICATION

Date:             

BUY / SELL

Did you effect an opposite transaction in this security within the last 60 days?

Yes: ¨      No: ¨      If Yes, you must complete the Short Term Trading Request Form

SECURITY: ___________________________________________________________________

SHARES/AMOUNT: ____________________________________________________________

APPROXIMATE PRICE: __________________________________________________________

 

   

Are you or any family member (defined as a person’s parents, mother-in-law or father-in-law, spouse, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, or child) an officer or board member of the company in which you intend to take a position?

Yes:   ¨     No:   ¨     Uncertain   ¨ (please see CCO)

 

   

Within the past three months, have you had any non-public communication (i.e. communication outside of a publicly attended conference), either oral or written, whether face to face, telephone, mail or email with any officer, director, employee or “temporary insider” of the company?

( A temporary insider of a company includes, among others, analyst, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, and employees of such organizations)

Yes:   ¨     No:   ¨     Uncertain   ¨ (please see CCO)

If Yes, do you believe all information provided by this person about this company is either public or non-public and non-material?

Yes:   ¨     No:   ¨     Uncertain   ¨ (please see CCO)

 

   

Has any other person advised you of any material non-public information about this company?

Yes:   ¨     No:   ¨     Uncertain   ¨ (please see CCO)

I certify the proposed transaction does not involve the use of material non-public information in the decision process as outlined within Rule 10b-5 under Section 10 of the SEC Act of 1934, and detailed within SCM’s Code of Ethics:

 

           
Signature     Approved – Personal Trading Compliance Officer or Compliance Officer or Designee.

Reminder: Approval good for today only!


Exhibit F

 

SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

GIFT & ENTERTAINMENT LOG

Employee Name:                      Year:             

 

Date received

   Name of
Company
providing Gift /
Entertainment
   Name of Person
providing Gift /
Entertainment
   Description of Gift or
Entertainment:
   Estimate Value
of Gift /
Entertainment
over $100? (Yes
or No)
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

Exhibit (p)(8)

J.J.B. HILLIARD, W.L. LYONS, INC.

CODE OF ETHICS PURSUANT TO RULE 17j-1

J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. has adopted this Code of Ethics in compliance with Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. This Code is based on the principle that the Access Persons of Hilliard have a fiduciary duty to place the interests of Fund Clients ahead of their own personal interests and to avoid personal activities, interests and relationships that might interfere with making decisions in the best interests of a Fund Client.

 

1. DEFINITIONS

(a) “Access Person” means any director, officer or Advisory Person of Hilliard who, with respect to a Fund Client, makes any recommendation, participates in the determination of which recommendation shall be made or whose principal function or duties relate to the determination of which recommendation shall be made to a Fund Client, or who, in connection with his or her duties, obtains any information concerning covered securities recommendations being made by Hilliard to a Fund Client.

(b) “Advisory Person” means (i) any employee of Hilliard (or of any company in a control relationship to Hilliard), who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a covered security by a Fund Client, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (ii) any natural person in a control relationship to Hilliard who obtains information concerning recommendations made to a Fund Client with regard to the purchase or sale of a covered security.

(c) “Beneficial Ownership” shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be in determining whether a person is subject to the provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations thereunder, except that the determination of direct or indirect beneficial ownership shall apply to all securities which an Access Person has or acquires.

(d) “Compliance Officers” means an officer in Hilliard’s Compliance Department, the Chief Investment Officer of Hilliard Lyons Asset Management, or the Director of Hilliard Lyons Asset Management or such as other person as those individuals may delegate.

(e) “Control” shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(f) “Covered Security” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, except that it does not include shares of registered open-end investment companies (except a Fund Client), direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt securities (including repurchase agreements).


(g) “Fund Client” means an investment company registered under the 1940 Act for which Hilliard serves as investment adviser or investment subadviser.

(h) “Hilliard” means J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc.

(i) “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(j) “Investment Person” means (i) any employee of Hilliard (or of any company in a control relationship to Hilliard) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by a Fund Client, provides information and advice to a portfolio manager or who helps execute a portfolio manager’s decisions; and (iii) any natural person who controls Hilliard and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to a Fund Client regarding the purchase or sale of securities of a Fund Client.

(k) “Limited Offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(6) or pursuant to rule 504, rule 505 or rule 506 thereunder.

(l) “Portfolio Manager” means any person who has the direct responsibility and authority to make decisions about investments for a Fund Client.

(m) “Purchase or Sale of a Covered Security” includes, inter alia , the buying or writing of an option to purchase or sell a covered security.

(n) “Security Held or to be Acquired” by a Fund Client shall mean any covered security which, within the most recent 15 days (i) is or has been held by a Fund Client, or (ii) is being or has been considered by Hilliard for purchase by a Fund Client, and (iii) any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for any such covered security.

(o) “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

2. STATEMENT OF GENERAL FIDUCIARY PRINCIPLES

The following general fiduciary principles shall govern all personal investment activities: (1) Access Persons shall have a duty at all times to place the interests of shareholders of a Fund Client first; (2) all personal securities transactions shall be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of the individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and (3) Access Persons should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

3. PROHIBITED PURCHASES AND SALES

(a) No Portfolio Manager shall:

(i) purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any covered security within seven calendar days before a Fund Client trades in that security.

 

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(ii) purchase, directly or indirectly, any covered security within seven calendar days after a Fund Client sells that security.

(iii) sell, directly or indirectly, any covered security within seven calendar days after a Fund Client purchases that security,

unless the market capitalization of the issuer at the time of the purchase or sale exceeds $1,000,000,000 and the average daily trading volume of the security during the four-week period preceding the purchase or sale exceeds 1,000,000 shares.

(b) No Access Person shall:

(i) purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any covered security in which he has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership and which to his or her actual knowledge at the time of such purchase or sale: (A) is being considered for purchase or sale by a Fund Client account; or (B) is being purchased or sold for a Fund Client account.

(ii) execute a transaction in a covered security on a day during which a Fund Client account has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in that same security until that order is executed or withdrawn

unless, in either case, the market capitalization of the issuer at the time of the transaction exceeds $1,000,000,000 and the average daily trading volume of the security during the four-week period preceding the transaction exceeds 1,000,000 shares.

(c) No Access Persons shall engage in market timing in their Fund shares.

 

4. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS

The prohibitions of Section 3 of this Code of Ethics shall not apply to:

(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.

(b) Purchases or sales of securities that are not eligible for purchase or sale by a Fund Client.

(c) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or a Fund Client.

(d) Purchases that are part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.

 

- 3 -


(e) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.

(f) Purchases or sales determined by the Compliance Officers to be only remotely potentially harmful to that Fund Client because they would be very unlikely to affect a highly institutional market, or because they clearly are not related economically to the securities to be purchased, sold or held by the Fund Client.

 

5. PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

No Investment Person shall

(a) purchase, directly or indirectly, any securities in an initial public offering or

(b) acquire, directly or indirectly, any securities in a Limited Offering

without the express prior approval of a Compliance Officer. Such prior approval should take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for the Fund Client and its shareholders, and whether the opportunity is being offered to an individual by virtue of his or her position with a Fund Client. Advisory Persons who are authorized to acquire securities in an initial public offering or in a Limited Offering or who otherwise hold securities previously acquired in such offerings must disclose that investment if they play a part in a Fund Client’s subsequent consideration of an investment in the issuer. In such circumstances, a Fund Client’s decision to purchase securities of the issuer shall be subject to an independent review by Advisory Persons with no personal interest in the issuer.

 

6. REPORTING

(a) Each Access Person shall disclose to a Compliance Officer all of his or her personal holdings in covered securities at the time his or her employment commences (or upon becoming an Access Person) and annually thereafter. Each such holdings report shall be made within 10 days after the commencement of employment (or becoming an Access Person). Annual reports shall be made within 30 days after the end of the calendar year. Holdings reports shall include the following information, which must be current as of a date within 45 days of the date of submission:

(i) The title, number of shares and principal amount of each covered security in which such Access Person has any direct beneficial ownership when the person becomes an Access Person;

(ii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the direct benefit of such person as of the date the person became an Access Person; and

(iii) The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person.

 

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(b) Every Access Person shall report to a Compliance Officer the information described in Section 6(c) and 6(d) of this Code of Ethics with respect to transactions in any covered security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security including securities acquired in exempt transactions pursuant to Section 4; provided, however, that an Access Person shall not be required to make a report with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.

(c) Every transaction report shall be made not later than 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:

(i) The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity (if applicable), the number of shares, and the principal amount of each security involved;

(ii) The nature of the transaction ( i.e. , purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);

(iii) The price of the security at which the transaction was effected;

(iv) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and

(v) The date the report is filed.

(d) If an Access Person established any account during the quarter in which any securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person, the transaction report also shall contain the following information:

(i) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person established the account;

(ii) The date the account was established; and

(iii) The date the report is filed.

(e) Every Access Person shall direct his or her broker to supply to a Compliance Officer, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of periodic statements for all securities accounts.

(f) Any reports made pursuant to this Section 6 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.

(g) The Compliance Officers or his or her designees shall identify all Access Persons who are under a duty to make reports to such entities pursuant to this Section 6 and shall inform such persons of such duty.

 

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(h) The Compliance Officers or his or her designees shall be responsible for implementing compliance procedures and designating appropriate personnel to review reports made pursuant to this Section. No person who regularly reviews such reports shall be permitted to review his or her own reports and such reports shall be reviewed by a management or compliance person senior to the reviewer.

 

6. GIFTS

Investment Persons are prohibited from receiving any gift or other item of more than de minimis value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of a Fund Client; provided, however, that attendance and the receipt of complimentary meals at investment conferences shall not be prohibited by this Section 6.

 

7. SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR

Investment Persons shall be prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies absent prior authorization from the Compliance Department of Hilliard. Such authorization may be based upon a determination that the Investment Person’s board service would be consistent with the interests of a Fund Client and its shareholders. If such board service is authorized, “Chinese Wall” or other procedures shall be established to isolate the Investment Person serving as a director from those making investment decisions with respect to the securities of such publicly traded company.

 

8. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH CODES OF ETHICS

All Access Persons shall certify annually that they have read and understand this Code of Ethics and recognize that they are subject thereto. Further, Access Persons shall certify annually that they have complied with the requirements of this Code of Ethics and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions and holdings required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of this Code of Ethics.

 

9. SANCTIONS

Any profits realized on trades prohibited by Section 3(a) or Section 3(b) of this Code of Ethics shall be disgorged such profit to the appropriate Fund Client. The Compliance Officers also may impose such other sanctions as they deem appropriate upon discovering a violation of this Code of Ethics, including, inter alia , a letter of censure or suspension or termination of the employment of the violator.

 

10. FUND CLIENT APPROVAL AND REPORTS

(a) Hilliard shall prepare an annual report to a Fund Client’s Board of Directors/Trustees that summarizes existing codes and procedures concerning personal investing and any additional procedures adopted during the year; describes any material issues arising under the Code or such procedures since the last report, including but not limited to any material violations of the Code or such procedures and any sanctions imposed in response thereto; identifies material conflicts that arose during the year; and identifies any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon the parties’ experience under this Code of

 

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Ethics, evolving industry practices, or developments inapplicable laws or regulations. Such report shall include the requisite certification as required by Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act.

(b) Hilliard shall submit this Code of Ethics to the Board of Directors/Trustees of a Fund Client for approval within the time frames required by Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Any material changes to this Code shall be submitted to such Board within six months of such change.

 

11. RECORDKEEPING

Hilliard shall maintain the following records in the manner specified:

(a) A copy of this Code, or any amendment thereof, which is or at any time within the past five years has been in effect shall be preserved in an easily accessible place.

(b) A record of any violation of this Code, or any amendment thereof, and of any action taken as a result of such violation, shall be preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years following the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurs.

(c) A copy of each transaction and holding report made by an Access Person pursuant to this Code shall be preserved for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year in which it is made, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

(d) A list of all persons who are, or within the past five years have been, required to make reports pursuant to this Code shall be maintained in an easily accessible place.

(e) A list of the names of all persons who are, or within the past five years have been, responsible for reviewing the reports filed pursuant to Sections 5 and 6 of this Code shall be maintained in an easily accessible place.

(f) A record of any approvals granted pursuant to Section 3(b) of this Code, including the reasons for such approvals, shall be preserved for a period of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which such approval is given.

(g) A copy of each report made pursuant to Section 10 of this Code must be maintained for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which it was made, the first two years in an easily accessible place.

Dated: April 19, 2007

 

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